in a world where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a world where" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that describes a hypothetical situation, often one that is contrary to the facts or current reality. For example: "In a world where global warming was not a looming threat, we could all relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a world where life is cheap..

The Guardian - Music

She lived in a world where they were never applied.

The New Yorker

Imagine living in a world where that was true.

The New York Times

Because we live in a world where everything has warts.

The Economist

Rules help in a world where power is shifting.

The Economist

"It was about surviving in a world where men rule".

The New York Times

You're in a world where you're forced to grow up.

The New York Times - Sports

In a world where the Red Sox can be champions?

The Guardian - Sport

In a world where magic happens, this juxtaposition feels right.

The Guardian

But when you're ambitious in a world where rules aren't enforced, it's like fudging your income taxes in a world where the government doesn't audit.

The New York Times

We live in a world where it's almost impossible to get lost anymore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a world where" to set the stage for exploring counterfactuals, hypothetical situations, or potential future scenarios in your writing. This helps to engage the reader and explore the implications of different possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "in a world where" repeatedly in the same paragraph or section. This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to introduce different hypothetical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a world where" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause. This clause typically describes a hypothetical, conditional, or imagined scenario. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a world where" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce hypothetical scenarios and explore alternative realities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed in news, media, and scientific writing, exhibiting a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To ensure clarity and impact, it's crucial to avoid overuse and explore related phrases to maintain reader engagement. Its high frequency and diverse application across authoritative sources underscore its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imagining a world where

Emphasizes the act of envisioning a different state.

in an alternate reality

Suggests a completely distinct and separate world.

in a hypothetical scenario

Focuses specifically on the hypothetical aspect.

assuming a different reality

Highlights a shift in the perceived reality.

under different circumstances

Emphasizes a change in conditions.

in a situation where

Focuses on a specific situation and its hypothetical alteration.

given a different context

Focuses on altering the surrounding environment or situation.

if things were different

A more conversational way to express a change in conditions.

considering an alternative

Highlights the act of thinking about a different option or possibility.

suppose the situation was

Introduces a supposition about the state of affairs.

FAQs

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

Use "in a world where" to introduce a hypothetical or imagined scenario, often contrasting with the current reality. For example, "In a world where everyone had access to clean water, many diseases would be eradicated".

What are some alternatives to using "in a world where"?

Alternatives include "in an alternate reality", "if things were different", or "assuming a different reality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in a world where"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in a world where". It functions as an introductory prepositional phrase setting the context for the main clause.

How does "in a world where" differ from "in a time when"?

"In a world where" refers to a hypothetical or imagined reality, while "in a time when" refers to a specific period or era, real or imagined.