spanning different generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning different generations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that connects or relates to multiple age groups or time periods, often in the context of culture, experiences, or influences. Example: "The festival celebrates art and music that spans different generations, bringing together young and old alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The list includes seven works spanning different generations, and, as is typical of the Modern, they represent blue-chip artists, from a seminal work from the early 1960's by Joseph Beuys to well-known works by fashionable younger artists like Matthew Barney and Pipilotti Rist.

The New York Times - Arts

But a close friendship spanning different generations can offer a fresh perspective on life as well as other unique benefits.

Huffington Post

The campaign workers, a group made up of anti-war activists spanning different generations, have become like family to some of the resisters.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The list of his acting triumphs is immense and spans different generations of Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

He married a second time, to the actress Joanne Woodward, and championed monogamy, famously saying of infidelity: 'Why go out for hamburger, when you have steak at home?' The list of his acting triumphs spans different generations of Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

The super-SILAC approach is scalable and flexible, allowing the generation of reference libraries of SIL peptides that can be applied over the duration of a lengthy biomarker discovery campaign, spanning different tissue types and sample sources.

Genome Medicine

By definition, clones cannot span different individuals.

Genome Medicine

Tributes came in thick and fast for a man who was seldom off radios, stages or screens in a career spanning 60 years that will spark different memories for different generations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There were with eleven or twelve different generations during these time spans.

Wikipedia

Utilizing four different generations of printers, Antin has set up a printing chain that spans from 1880 to 1976, with each printer laying down a different color of the printing standard CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black).

Vice

They are men of different generations.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "spanning different generations", consider the specific context. Ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning of connecting or relating across multiple age groups. For example, use it to describe the appeal of a movie or the membership of an organization.

Common error

Avoid implying that all individuals within a generation share identical experiences or perspectives. Acknowledge the diversity of views and circumstances even when discussing something that "spanning different generations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning different generations" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that extends or relates to multiple age groups. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spanning different generations" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a connection or relevance across multiple age groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "crossing generations" or "intergenerational connection" exist, "spanning different generations" effectively communicates the idea of reaching across diverse age demographics. It's important to use this phrase thoughtfully, acknowledging the diversity within each generation, as detailed in the writing guidance. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generation-spanning

A single-word adjective form expressing the same concept.

crossing generations

Focuses on the act of moving or extending across generations.

bridging generational gaps

Highlights the idea of connecting or reducing the differences between generations.

linking different age groups

Emphasizes the connection between distinct age demographics.

encompassing multiple generations

Stresses the idea of including or covering several generations.

intergenerational connection

Highlights the bond or relationship existing between generations.

covering various generations

Similar to encompassing, focusing on the act of including several generations.

reaching across age groups

Highlights the action of connecting with different age demographics.

connecting young and old

Specifically mentions the connection between younger and older individuals.

across the ages

A more poetic expression indicating that something relates to or involves people of all ages or from different eras.

FAQs

How can I use "spanning different generations" in a sentence?

You can use "spanning different generations" to describe anything that connects or is relevant to multiple age groups. For instance, "The museum exhibit features artifacts "spanning different generations" of artists".

What are some alternatives to "spanning different generations"?

Alternatives include "crossing generations", "bridging generational gaps", or "intergenerational connection", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "spanning different generations" or "across generations"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Spanning different generations" emphasizes the inclusive and connective aspect, while "across generations" simply indicates something existing or occurring throughout multiple generations.

What does it mean when something is described as "spanning different generations"?

When something is described as "spanning different generations", it means that its influence, relevance, or appeal extends to people of various age groups, suggesting a wide reach or lasting impact.