half the planet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the planet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion of the Earth's population or land area, often in discussions about global issues or events. Example: "The new social media platform has gained popularity so quickly that it now connects half the planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Half the planet watched the Olympics," he notes.

The Guardian

Half the planet was forever in the light, the other in the dark, the sun's position fixed in the sky.

The New Yorker

By the middle of the century as much as half the planet could be "water insecure"; letting cows and sheep drink what's left will seem obscene.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Half the planet is at risk from infections such as dengue fever and malaria and countless lives could be saved by the introduction and spread of genetically modified (GM) insects that could no longer transmit such diseases, says the Lords science and technology committee after a four-month study of the technology, its possibilities and its challenges.

The Guardian

The oceans produce half the planet's supply of oxygen, mostly thanks to chlorophyll in aquatic algae.

The Economist

Tracing the same path but separated by 180 degrees - half the planet - the duo will come back over the same patch of land in rapid fashion.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Wilson, in his most recent book, Half Earth, calls for preserving half of the planet for the other species.

Huffington Post

It accounts for more than half of the planet's remaining rainforest and  is home to more than half the world's species of plants and animals.

BBC

The planet Earth rotates once each day (i.e. once every twenty-four hours), and most inhabitants spend approximately twelve hours in substantial darkness when half of the planet is hidden from the Sun, and twelve hours in substantial light when half of the planet is exposed to the Sun.

WikiHow

The Planet Earth rotates once each day (i.e. once every twenty-four hours), and the inhabitants spend approximately twelve hours in substantial darkness when half of the planet is hidden from the Sun, and twelve hours in substantial light when half of the planet is exposed to the Sun.

WikiHow

Around half of the planet's population is teetotal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half the planet", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes "half". Is it referring to landmass, population, resources, or something else?

Common error

Avoid using "half the planet" when a more precise term is available. For example, instead of saying "half the planet is affected by climate change", specify which regions or populations are most vulnerable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the planet" functions as a quantifying expression, indicating a significant portion of the Earth. As shown by Ludwig, it often appears as a subject or object in sentences discussing global phenomena or statistics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "half the planet" is a versatile phrase used to denote a substantial portion of the Earth, its population, or its resources. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts. While generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, consider whether more specific language would enhance clarity. Remember to define the scope of "half" to avoid ambiguity. By considering these aspects, you can effectively incorporate "half the planet" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half the world

Replaces "planet" with "world", a very common synonym in this context.

a significant portion of the globe

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate a large part of the Earth.

a large part of the earth

Similar to the above, but uses "earth" instead of "globe".

a substantial fraction of the earth

Emphasizes that the portion is considerable.

a major segment of the global population

Focuses on the human population rather than the physical Earth.

a considerable amount of the terrestrial sphere

A more formal and technical way to describe a large part of the planet.

a vast area of the world

Highlights the large geographical scale.

much of the earth's surface

Emphasizes the surface area of the Earth.

a dominant share of the world

Similar to a big part but expresses the control/power that the "half" has.

a dominant share of the earth

Similar to a big part but expresses the control/power that the "half" has.

FAQs

What does "half the planet" typically refer to?

"Half the planet" can refer to a variety of things, including population, land area, resources, or even abstract concepts like wealth distribution. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

Is it accurate to use "half the planet" when referring to global issues?

While "half the planet" can be a powerful way to emphasize the scale of an issue, it's important to ensure accuracy. In many cases, a more precise term like "a significant portion of the globe" or specific regions may be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to saying "half the planet"?

You can use alternatives like "half the world", "a significant portion of the globe", or "a large part of the earth" depending on the context.

Can "half the planet" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "half the planet" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider whether a more precise and descriptive term would be more appropriate.