a world language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a world language" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a language that is spoken in many countries, for example: "English is a world language spoken in many countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

French was once far ahead of English as a world language; now it's not.

The New Yorker

A world language course starts in first grade, when students choose among French, Spanish and Italian.

The New York Times

English is now a world language, especially in trade and commerce.

The Guardian

Budget cuts were part of what motivated the school to cut the technology society, its smallest, and combine the others into a "world language" society.

The New York Times

Part of that job is to think of French as a world language and not the preserve of braying Brit holidaymakers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely our language has 'always' been great; always there and, if not always a world language, then surely one in waiting.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

As she wrote in 1929: "It is impossible not to speculate already on the possibility of English becoming a world-language through the screen".

The New Yorker

Such a reading is based, first, on the supposed discrepancy between Wittgenstein's construction of a world-language system, which takes up the bulk of the Tractatus, and several comments that are made about this construction in the Preface to the book, in its closing remarks, and in a letter he sent to his publisher, Ludwig von Ficker, before publication.

SEP

There is also a new world language head and a new director of technology.

The New York Times

He couldn't have envisioned it turning into today's throwaway meme culture, but it's hard not to see him as prescient when he says in his "Culture: Intercom and Expanded Cinema, A Proposal and Manifesto" that: "It is imperative that we (the world's artists) invent a new world language… that we invent a non-verbal international picture-language".

Vice

Those of us who have studied a major world language may take for granted the wealth of language resources available to us: from textbooks to language apps, translated films and exchange programs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of globalization or international relations, use "a world language" to emphasize the widespread influence and importance of the language.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the reach of a language by referring to it as "a world language" if its usage is primarily regional or limited to specific domains. Ensure its global influence is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a world language" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun, such as 'course' or 'status', to describe a language's global prevalence and significance. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage, aligning with examples in both news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a world language" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively describes a language with significant international presence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts like news, science, and business, indicating its relevance across multiple domains. When writing, use this phrase to highlight the global importance and widespread use of a particular language, but ensure its application is accurate to avoid overstating a language's true reach. Consider alternatives like "global language" or "international language" for nuanced emphasis. The frequency of this term across authoritative sources underscores its importance in contemporary discussions about language and globalization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

global language

Focuses on the geographical reach and influence of the language.

international language

Highlights the language's use in international communication.

widely spoken language

Emphasizes the number of speakers across different regions.

lingua franca

Refers to a language used for communication between groups with different native languages.

major language

Indicates a language of considerable importance and influence.

dominant language

Highlights the language's prevalence and power in certain contexts.

cosmopolitan language

Suggests the language is associated with diverse and international environments.

universal language

Implies a language understood or intended to be understood by everyone.

transnational language

Focuses on the language's ability to cross national borders and connect people.

planetary language

Emphasizes the language's global and comprehensive reach.

FAQs

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

You can use "a world language" to describe any language that is spoken and understood in many different countries. For example, "English is "a world language" used in business and education worldwide".

What are some alternative phrases for "a world language"?

Some alternatives include "global language", "international language", or "widely spoken language". Each of these emphasizes a different aspect of the language's reach and influence.

Which languages are considered "a world language"?

Languages commonly considered "a world language" include English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and French, due to their widespread use in international business, diplomacy, and education.

What makes a language "a world language"?

A language becomes "a world language" based on factors such as the number of speakers, its geographical distribution, its use in international organizations, and its presence in media and technology.