pass from generation to generation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass from generation to generation" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about something that is handed down and shared among people, usually in families or communities, for a long period of time. For example: "This traditional knowledge has been passed from generation to generation among the indigenous people of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Genes for snapping may not pass from generation to generation, Junkin joked, but "perhaps the stupidity of wanting to" does.

The New York Times - Sports

Those who want to ensure that wealth can pass from generation to generation without it being eaten away by taxes or thrown away in casinos and divorce courts have a host of experts at their disposal.

The Guardian - Business

Further still, use of the trust allows the beneficial interest in property to pass from generation to generation without causing the property to pass through probate, an awkward and time-consuming process in many Anglo-American jurisdictions.

Britannica

The House of Lords has been existing in a strange holding pattern since November, when Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labor government ended hundreds of years of history by removing the right of hundreds of hereditary peers, whose titles pass from generation to generation, to sit and vote in the chamber.

The New York Times

But some pass from generation to generation until it's hard to distinguish between business and family, especially for a family that puts its name on its products.

Forbes

Images can last lifetimes, with false images often pass from generation to generation like a family heirloom.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Family businesses when passed from generation to generation generally have a tendency to go in one of two directions.

Forbes

But in general great wealth passes from generation to generation, either through inheritance or through privileged access to education and job opportunities, while at the other end of the spectrum disadvantage passes from generation to generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some were passed from generation to generation.

The New York Times

These ballads passed from generation to generation, from mother to daughter.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They say it prevents farms and small businesses from passing from generation to generation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "pass from generation to generation", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific element—be it knowledge, tradition, or property—is being transferred.

Common error

Avoid using "pass from generation to generation" without specifying what is being passed down. Vague statements lack clarity and impact. Instead of saying "Values pass from generation to generation", specify "Family values of hard work and integrity pass from generation to generation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass from generation to generation" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the transmission of something (e.g., knowledge, traditions, genes) from older generations to younger ones. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass from generation to generation" effectively describes the transmission of knowledge, traditions, values, or even genetic traits across successive generations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While often found in neutral to formal contexts like news and encyclopedias, its usage emphasizes continuity and inheritance. Related phrases include "be handed down" and "be bequeathed", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being passed down to avoid vagueness. Remember, it's not just about inheritance; it's about the enduring legacy that binds generations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be perpetuated from parent to child

Simplifies the concept to the direct relationship between parent and child.

be inherited by successive generations

Focuses on the legal or biological aspect of inheritance.

be bequeathed across generations

Emphasizes the formal act of passing something on, like a legacy.

be carried on through time

Implies a sense of purpose or mission in continuing a tradition.

be handed down through the ages

Focuses on the historical aspect of transmission over a long period.

be transmitted through family lines

Highlights the familial aspect of the transfer.

descend from ancestors to descendants

Highlights the lineage and the direction of inheritance.

continue down the family tree

Uses a visual metaphor to describe generational continuity.

be conserved across the years

Emphasizes the preservation of something valuable over time.

be maintained throughout the years

Highlights the sustained effort to keep something alive through generations

FAQs

How can I use "pass from generation to generation" in a sentence?

You can use "pass from generation to generation" to describe how knowledge, traditions, or values are transferred within a family or community, as in "This culinary skill has "passed from generation to generation" in our family."

What are some alternatives to "pass from generation to generation"?

Alternatives include "be handed down", "be bequeathed", or "be transmitted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "passed down from generation to generation"?

While "passed down" is often used, the phrase "pass from generation to generation" is more formal and emphasizes the continuous transfer between generations.

What is the difference between "inherited" and "passed from generation to generation"?

"Inherited" often implies a legal or biological transfer, while "pass from generation to generation" can refer to any form of transfer, including cultural traditions or knowledge that aren't necessarily inherited.