Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

I know that you can say "from generation to generation," but can you say "generation after generation" in the same meaning of "from generation to generation"?

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

[lotus]

Hi Learner12,

They have slightly different meanings. Generation-to-generation implies a progression such as, "The family heirloom was passed on from generation-to-generation."

Generation after generation connotes a persistence in condition, such as "They kept that family tradition generation after generation."

The difference in meaning is subtle and some might use them interchangeably.


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda

[learner12]

Dear lotus:

Thank you so much for your informative explanations.

Have a nice day!!