half the world

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the world" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the large numbers of people or things in the world. For example: "The company's latest product has been a success, with half the world waiting for its release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Half the world now owns a smartphone.

University of California, Berkeley

Half the world is amused and half the world is appalled".

The New York Times

Half the world hails from Club Med.

The New York Times - Arts

Go take a butcher's at the Emperor Half the World.

The New Yorker

"Half the world is starving with too little to eat and the other half the world die for being obsese".

Independent

Almost half the World Cup squad have gone.

The Guardian - Sport

Half the world is crying out for these freedoms – they see what we've achieved with them.

Independent

"One Half the World does not know how the other Half lives," he once wrote.

The New Yorker

Half the world is booming - let's go and sell to them.

The Economist

Half the world is fighting in Syria".

BBC

Have Mosquitoes Killed Half the World?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half the world", clarify the specific context you are referring to, such as population, landmass, or market share, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "half the world" when a more precise figure or description is available. For instance, instead of saying "half the world uses smartphones", provide the actual percentage or number if known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the world" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it refers to a significant portion of the global population or a specific aspect of it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "half the world" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to indicate a substantial portion of the global population or a particular aspect thereof. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used across diverse contexts, including news, academic research, and general discussions. While versatile, it's important to provide context to avoid ambiguity, as the phrase's meaning can shift depending on whether it refers to population, geography, or other measurable entities. It's also crucial to avoid overgeneralization by using more precise figures when available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion of the globe

Emphasizes a large, but not necessarily exact, division of the world.

a large part of the planet

Highlights the geographical aspect of the world.

a considerable segment of the earth

Focuses on a substantial, but unspecified, section of the earth.

a substantial fraction of the global population

Specifically refers to people rather than geography.

many nations around the world

Shifts the focus to individual countries and their collective significance.

a widespread group of countries

Highlights the extensive distribution of countries.

a dominant share of the international community

Implies influence and prevalence within global affairs.

a majority of people worldwide

Emphasizes the numerical dominance of a group across the globe.

a notable percentage of the global landscape

Highlights the environmental impact of this "half the world".

a sizeable division of the global market

Concentrates on the economic aspect of the world.

FAQs

How can I use "half the world" in a sentence?

You can use "half the world" to refer to a significant portion of the global population, area, or any other measurable entity. For example, "Half the world now has access to the internet."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a significant portion of the globe", "a large part of the planet", or "a considerable segment of the earth".

Is it always accurate to use the phrase "half the world"?

While "half the world" is a common expression, it's not always literally accurate. It's often used to indicate a large proportion, but may not represent exactly 50%. Consider using more precise language if accuracy is crucial.

How does the meaning of "half the world" change based on context?

The meaning varies based on what you're measuring. It could refer to half the population, half the landmass, or half of a specific market or industry. Always ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.