in a developing country

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a developing country" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to nations that are in the process of industrialization and economic growth, often characterized by lower income levels and various social challenges. Example: "Many international organizations focus their efforts on improving education and healthcare in a developing country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not having practised medicine in a developing country.

The Guardian

Experience what it's like to live in a developing country.

The Guardian

I was born in in a developing country.

The New York Times

Imagine you are a poor consumer in a developing country.

The New York Times

It's not about living in a developing country.

The New York Times

Istanbul has long regarded itself as a first world city in a developing country.

The New York Times

"There's a difference between voluntourism and doctors going to help in a developing country," he argues.

The Guardian

"Normally, I try to get my haircut when I'm in a developing country.

The Guardian - Business

'It is one aspect of men in power,' he said, 'especially in a developing country.

The Guardian

Without economic growth, it is difficult to reduce poverty in a developing country.

The Guardian - Opinion

A voluntary placement in a developing country could be a good first step.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about global issues, use "in a developing country" to refer to nations undergoing economic and social progress, instead of older or potentially insensitive terms.

Common error

Be specific when possible. Instead of broadly stating "in a developing country", consider naming the country or region to provide context and avoid generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a developing country" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by providing context related to location or circumstance. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it specifies where an action takes place or where a situation is relevant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a developing country" is a common and generally accepted term used to describe nations undergoing economic and social development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While widely used, it's essential to be specific and avoid generalizations by considering the potential for more sensitive or precise alternatives depending on the context. When using "in a developing country", remember to consider the specific situation and aim to provide accurate and respectful context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an emerging economy

Focuses on the economic aspect of development rather than the broader scope.

in a less developed nation

Uses "nation" instead of "country" and "less developed" as a direct substitute.

in a third-world country

An older, less sensitive term for developing nations.

in a low-income country

Highlights the economic status using the term "low-income".

in a non-industrialized nation

Emphasizes the lack of industrialization.

in a transitioning economy

Focuses on the ongoing economic changes.

in an underdeveloped area

Shifts focus to geographical area instead of the whole country.

in a country with emerging markets

Highlights the presence of emerging markets within the country.

in a country undergoing development

Uses a more verbose structure to highlight the process of development.

in a nation striving for economic growth

Emphasizes the active pursuit of economic development.

FAQs

What does the term "in a developing country" mean?

The phrase "in a developing country" refers to a nation with a less developed industrial base and a lower Human Development Index relative to other countries. It's a term used to describe a country's socio-economic status.

Are there more sensitive or updated terms than "in a developing country"?

While "in a developing country" is widely used, some prefer terms like "emerging economy" or "low-income country", as they focus on specific aspects of development and can be perceived as more neutral.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in a developing country"?

Use "in a developing country" when discussing broad economic, social, or political issues that affect nations with developing economies and infrastructures. Be mindful of potential generalizations and strive for specificity when possible.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in a developing country"?

You can use alternatives like "less developed nation", "emerging market" or "low-income nation" depending on the specific context and the aspect of development you want to emphasize.