passed through generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed through generations" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when referring to a tradition or cultural element that has been passed down over the course of many generations. For example, "The ceremony has been passed through generations of our family for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's based on a family history, passed through generations.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a peculiarly British status that can be passed through generations.

Independent

The Arthur Avenue section is an enclave of shops that have passed through generations.

The New York Times

Japanese tableware is traditionally passed through generations, so an eclectic and intricately patterned range of beautiful crockery which reflects the seasons is featured in every meal.

Independent

The Amish, like other close ethnic groups around the world, have high rates of inherited disorders because of the emergence of recessive genes passed through generations.

The New York Times

The house was passed through generations of the Achenbach family until it was bought and renovated by a local couple in 1921.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It is possible that these effects may pass through generations as has been shown recently for sperm cells".

Environmental Health Perspectives

When the human genome project is finished, I am sure they will find a bargain gene passing through generations.

BBC

Coming of age, traditions and objects passing through generations, loss and love -- these threads of themes were great for our Y/A audience.

Huffington Post

The PDM has passed through three generations, with each successive generation addressing issues that have arisen from experiment or theory.

Electrochimica Acta

It's a shame that African music doesn't pass down through generations as well.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "passed through generations", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being passed down, such as traditions, skills, or traits.

Common error

Avoid using "passed through generations" when referring to short-term trends or fads. This phrase is best suited for describing enduring elements of culture, heritage, or genetics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed through generations" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing something that has been transmitted or inherited over multiple generations. As seen in Ludwig examples, it often modifies nouns like "skills", "traditions", or "traits".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passed through generations" describes something that has been inherited or transmitted over multiple generations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. To enhance clarity, ensure the context makes clear what is being passed down. Remember that, while phrases like "handed down through the family line" or "inherited from ancestors" offer similar meanings, the best choice will always depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transmitted across generations

Focuses on the act of passing something on from one generation to another.

successively inherited

Emphasizes the sequence of inheritance from one generation to the next.

handed down through the family line

Emphasizes familial inheritance and lineage.

passed along through familial ties

Highlights the importance of family connections in the transmission process.

conveyed through lineage

Highlights the role of family lineage in the transmission process.

inherited from ancestors

Highlights the ancestral origin of a trait or possession.

carried on through descendants

Focuses on the role of descendants in maintaining a tradition or trait.

passed down hereditarily

Emphasizes the genetic or hereditary aspect of transmission.

descended through the ages

Implies a long and continuous line of inheritance.

bequeathed across time

Suggests a deliberate act of passing something on as a legacy.

FAQs

How can I use "passed through generations" in a sentence?

You can use "passed through generations" to describe traditions, skills, or genetic traits that have been inherited over multiple generations. For instance, "The art of pottery has been "transmitted across generations" within our family."

What's a similar way to say "passed through generations"?

Alternatives include "handed down through the family line", "inherited from ancestors", or "conveyed through lineage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "pass down through generations" instead of "passed through generations"?

Both "pass down through generations" and "passed through generations" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Pass down" emphasizes the act of transmission, while "passed" indicates that the transmission has already occurred. For instance, "They "passed down hereditarily" their knowledge to the future leaders" versus "Their stories "passed along through familial ties" are the testament of their ancestors".

Which is more formal, "passed through generations" or "passed down through generations"?

"Passed through generations" is generally considered more formal than "passed down through generations". The latter is more colloquial and frequently used in everyday speech. In academic writing, ""transmitted across generations"" might be preferred.