passed from generation to generation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed from generation to generation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe traditions, stories, or knowledge that are handed down through family or community over time. Example: "The ancient recipe for the family dish has been passed from generation to generation, preserving our culinary heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Forbes

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

This expectation of black women to suffer in silence is passed from generation to generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In grasses, these fungi are passed from generation to generation through the seeds.

The New York Times - Science

His vision has passed from generation to generation enriched and re-interpreted.

Independent

Here, in this rundown desert hamlet, tradition is passed from generation to generation, from mother to daughter.

The New York Times

As it has been passed from generation to generation, the original parcel has been subdivided many times.

The New York Times

"Trauma is passed from generation to generation," he said, waving his arms emphatically, his crossed legs bouncing.

The New Yorker

Oral traditions concerning Jewish law passed from generation to generation, and eventually it became apparent that they required organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He shows how they communicate in clicks, with discrete "dialects" - imagine the variations between Hampshire and Yorkshire accents - and reveals how knowledge is passed from generation to generation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "passed from generation to generation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being transmitted. For instance, specify whether it's traditions, knowledge, wealth, or genetic traits.

Common error

Avoid using "passed from generation to generation" without specifying what is being passed down. Vague usage can confuse the reader. Always clarify the subject being inherited to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed from generation to generation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and adjectives to describe how something is transmitted or inherited across successive family lines or groups. This is supported by Ludwig which finds it correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passed from generation to generation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the transmission of traditions, knowledge, or traits across successive family lines or groups. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, the phrase effectively conveys continuity and longevity, highlighting elements maintained and transferred over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handed down through generations

Emphasizes the act of physically or verbally giving something to younger relatives.

inherited through the family line

Focuses on the familial aspect and the idea of receiving something as an inheritance.

transmitted across generations

Highlights the process of conveying information or traits to future descendants.

bequeathed to posterity

Implies a formal or intentional act of leaving something valuable for future generations.

conveyed down the line

Highlights the lineage and the act of carrying something forward through descendants.

ceded through ancestry

Stresses the concept of heritage and giving up traits, objects, or titles to succeeding kin.

transferred through lineage

Highlights the heredity aspect of how something moves to future family members.

descended through the ages

Emphasizes the long history and gradual movement of knowledge, beliefs, or values over long time periods.

carried on through descendants

Stresses the active continuation of practices, skills, or enterprises by offspring.

sustained through kinship

Emphasizes the role of family relationships and connections in ensuring continuity of traditions, skills or knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "passed from generation to generation" to describe how traditions, knowledge, or skills are inherited within a family or community. For example, "The recipe has been "passed from generation to generation", ensuring the dish remains authentic."

What are some alternatives to saying "passed from generation to generation"?

Alternatives include "handed down through generations", "transmitted across generations", or "inherited through the family line", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While understandable, "pass down from generation to generation" is less common and slightly redundant compared to the more concise and widely accepted phrase ""passed from generation to generation"".

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

The phrase ""passed from generation to generation"" is more commonly used and considered standard. Adding "down" doesn't significantly alter the meaning but can make the phrase sound slightly less formal or more conversational. Either can be used, but the shorter version is preferred for conciseness.