a world in which

USAGE SUMMARY

'a world in which' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing the context of a situation or a description. For example, "In a world in which technology is advancing at lightning speed, it can be hard to keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A world in which aliens live.

The Guardian - Arts

We live in a world in which everything is design".

University of California, Berkeley

It is a world in which subtlety is reviled.

The New York Times - Arts

They are used to a world in which money talks.

The Economist

This is a world in which brutality is a constant.

Independent

Imagine a world in which information isn't free.

The New York Times

"I came into a world in which I saw discrimination.

The New Yorker

We live in a world in which data convey authority.

The New York Times

"I love a world in which that's possible".

The New York Times - Style

This is a world in which all problems get solved.

The New York Times - Arts

A world in which I was effectively alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a world in which" to introduce hypothetical or alternative scenarios, allowing your audience to consider different possibilities or outcomes. Ensure that the clauses following "a world in which" clearly define the characteristics or conditions of that world.

Common error

While "a world in which" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "in a scenario where" or "in a context where" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a world in which" functions as a relative clause introducer, setting the stage for a hypothetical or conditional scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely applicable. It introduces a dependent clause that provides context or specifies characteristics of the "world" being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

46%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a world in which" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though primarily found in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent clause clearly defines the characteristics of the described world. Be mindful of overuse by incorporating alternative phrases like "in a setting where" or "in a scenario where" for variety. Considering its prevalent usage and adaptable nature, mastering the application of "a world in which" is invaluable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a setting where

Replaces "world" with "setting" to specify a particular environment or context.

in a scenario where

Emphasizes a hypothetical situation or possible future.

in a context where

Highlights the circumstances or conditions surrounding an event or situation.

in an environment where

Focuses on the surroundings and conditions influencing events.

under circumstances where

Specifies particular conditions or situations.

in a situation where

Highlights a specific set of conditions or events.

in a system where

Focuses on the structure and organization within which something occurs.

in an era when

Indicates a specific period or time in which something happens.

in a time when

Similar to "in an era when" but can refer to a shorter or less defined period.

in a reality where

Emphasizes a hypothetical or alternative state of existence.

FAQs

How can I use "a world in which" in a sentence?

Use "a world in which" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or condition. For example, "A world in which everyone has access to clean water is our ultimate goal."

What phrases are similar to "a world in which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a setting where", "in a scenario where", or "in a context where", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "in which" or "where" after "a world"?

While both "in which" and "where" can be used, "in which" is generally more formal and precise, especially when referring to abstract conditions. "Where" might be suitable if referring to a physical location, though "in which" remains acceptable.

Can "a world in which" be used to describe a real situation?

Yes, it can, particularly when emphasizing the specific conditions or characteristics of that real situation. However, it's most commonly used for hypothetical or future scenarios.