spanning multiple generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning multiple generations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that extends or affects several generations, often in contexts like family history, cultural traditions, or societal changes. Example: "The family business has been thriving for over a century, spanning multiple generations of dedicated work and commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Workers spanning multiple generations and speaking one by one in seated head-on shots recall cyclical lifestyles and their pride and fatigue.

The New York Times

He carries with him the tonal sensibility of many historical musicians spanning multiple generations.

Huffington Post

In a town built on stolen and massacred land, where several cutesy homewares shops on the main strip have golliwog dolls prominently displayed in their windows, Indigenous trio Dispossessed headline a free street party attended by thousands of local families spanning multiple generations.

Vice

While there is a scope for ambitious programmes of prospective research spanning multiple generations, such programmes will nevertheless run into questions not addressed by the original design.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The book goes on to span multiple generations, showing the slow but devastating results of climate change on future generations.

The Guardian

Like family dynasties, they span multiple generations while keeping the same basic characteristics and names.

Forbes

But most of these people are in this certain demographic that spans multiple generations and are comfortable with technology.

TechCrunch

By being continuously recognized or reinvented, they have created a following of admirers that often spans multiple generations.

Wikipedia

Furthermore, many studies spanned multiple generations, with the median study duration at 34 years, and the maximum at 91 years (Fig. 4).

Evolutionary Applications

Murphy and Wang (2001) used the NSFH data to show that grandparental fertility has an independent additional impact on individuals' fertility, indicating that such effects span multiple generations and potentially have more impact on long-term demographic trends.

Biodemography and Social Biology

Additionally, several video games based on the show have been released for personal computers, the Internet, and various gaming consoles spanning multiple hardware generations.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing traditions or legacies, use "spanning multiple generations" to emphasize the historical depth and continuity. For example, "The family's commitment to education, spanning multiple generations, has resulted in numerous academic achievements."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "spanning multiple generations" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "across generations" or "throughout the years" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning multiple generations" functions as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun to indicate that something has persisted, evolved, or been relevant across several familial or societal cohorts. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage and offers numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spanning multiple generations" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that extends across several generations. Ludwig AI validates its usage and provides examples across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While "spanning multiple generations" is suitable for many situations, simpler alternatives like "across generations" may be more appropriate for informal settings. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication when emphasizing historical depth and long-term impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across generations

A more concise way of expressing the same idea, focusing on the breadth of impact.

throughout generations

Emphasizes the continuity and persistence of something over time.

over generations

Highlights the cumulative effect or change that occurs across different generations.

for generations

Focuses on the duration and longevity of something, indicating it has existed or been relevant for a long time.

encompassing multiple generations

A more formal alternative that stresses the comprehensive nature of something affecting several generations.

covering multiple generations

Similar to "spanning", but with a slightly different nuance, suggesting a broader scope.

extending across generations

Highlights the reach and influence that something has from one generation to the next.

lasting for generations

Focuses on the enduring quality and long-term impact of something.

transcending generations

Emphasizes how something overcomes the boundaries between different generations.

inherited across generations

Specifically refers to something being passed down or received from previous generations.

FAQs

What does "spanning multiple generations" mean?

It means something extends or has an impact across several generations, often highlighting continuity, tradition, or long-term effects.

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

Use it to describe anything that has relevance or influence across different age groups or time periods, such as "The recipes, "passed down through generations", represent the family's culinary heritage".

What are some alternatives to "spanning multiple generations"?

You can use phrases like "across generations", "throughout generations", or "over generations" depending on the specific context.

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

"Spanning multiple generations" is more common and grammatically sound. While "spanning across generations" isn't incorrect, it can sound redundant. You can also say "extending across generations".