successive generations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "successive generations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to groups of people or things that come one after another over time, often in the context of heritage, evolution, or cultural transmission. Example: "The traditions of our family have been passed down through successive generations, shaping our identity and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But successive generations have suffered the consequences.

The Guardian - Money

Surprisingly, the interregnum between successive generations has received little attention.

Research Policy

Fitzgerald hypnotises successive generations of readers with this tale.

The Guardian

The images are black and white, peopled by successive generations.

The Guardian - Music

They have guided and inspired successive generations of employees.

MIT Technology Review

Is it going to be passed down to successive generations?

The New York Times

Microevolution is what happens in populations, between successive generations of organisms.

University of California, Berkeley

IBD regions form when genetic information is recombined between successive generations, with minor mutations.

Harvard University

As far as civic engagement is concerned, the critical question is why successive generations have changed.

Princeton University

They should be used in many successive generations of their reproduction in LSS.

Advances in Space Research

Now I sing it with my grandchildren, and that's seven successive generations - at least".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of specific events or changes on "successive generations" to highlight long-term effects. This can be particularly useful in historical or sociological analyses.

Common error

When referring to generations that are far removed from each other, clarify the specific number or relationship to avoid vagueness. For example, instead of saying "successive generations", specify "three successive generations" if that is the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "successive generations" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the continuity of cultural, genetic, or historical elements across time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "successive generations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to denote the progression and continuity between generations, often highlighting the transmission of knowledge, values, or genetic traits. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and academia, indicating its versatility in both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure clarity, especially when referring to distant generations. Alternatives like "following generations" or "subsequent generations" can provide similar meanings. Ludwig's examples confirm its wide applicability and correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following generations

This alternative directly replaces "successive" with "following", maintaining a similar sequential meaning.

subsequent generations

This uses "subsequent" as a synonym for "successive", emphasizing the order in which the generations occur.

succeeding generations

Using "succeeding" instead of "successive" provides a slightly more formal tone while keeping the core meaning.

consecutive generations

This alternative emphasizes the unbroken sequence of generations, one after another.

descendant generations

This alternative highlights the lineage aspect of generations, emphasizing their role as descendants.

next generations

A simpler, more direct way to refer to the generations that come immediately after the current one.

future generations

This option focuses on the generations that are yet to come, rather than those that have already passed.

later generations

This focuses on the temporal aspect, referring to generations that exist at a later point in time.

posterity

A more literary term that encompasses all future generations.

offspring through time

This alternative rephrases the concept to focus on the offspring and the passage of time.

FAQs

How can I use "successive generations" in a sentence?

You can use "successive generations" to describe how something is passed down or changes over time. For example, "The family recipe has been cherished by "successive generations"."

What are some alternatives to using "successive generations"?

Some alternatives include "following generations", "subsequent generations", or "future generations", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "successive generations" and "future generations"?

"Successive generations" refers to a series of generations one after another, while "future generations" specifically refers to generations that are yet to come.

How does the context affect the use of "successive generations"?

The context determines whether you want to emphasize a continuous sequence, lineage, or simply the passage of time. Choosing "following generations" over "posterity" affects the tone and level of formality.