in most countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in most countries" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is true or applicable in the majority of countries around the world. Example: "In most countries, it is illegal to drink and drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abortion is illegal in most countries.

The New York Times

Trading them is banned in most countries.

The Economist

Hospitals have long existed in most countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pleadings in most countries are formal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Child mortality is declining in most countries.

Harvard University

This is true in most countries.

Columbia University

In most countries, domestic filings predominate.

World Patent Information

In most countries, elders are revered.

The New York Times

Inflation in most countries remains well contained.

The Guardian

The app is available in most countries.

The Guardian

In most countries, abortion is legal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether specifying particular countries or regions would add clarity or nuance to your statement. Vague statements about "most countries" can sometimes be misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "in most countries" based on limited personal experience or anecdotal evidence. Always verify the accuracy of the statement with reliable sources before making broad generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in most countries" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing information about the scope or extent to which something is true. Ludwig AI examples show it used to generalize about laws, customs, or trends across a wide geographic area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in most countries" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to make generalizations about global trends, laws, or customs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's crucial to ensure such generalizations are accurate and supported by evidence. While broadly applicable, consider specifying countries or regions for greater clarity. "In most countries" appears frequently in news, academic writing, and general discussions, making it a valuable tool for expressing global perspectives. Be mindful of overgeneralization and always verify your claims with reliable sources before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the majority of nations

Replaces "most" with "majority" and "countries" with "nations", emphasizing a numerical superiority.

across many countries

Uses "across" to highlight geographical spread and replaces "most" with "many", indicating a significant number.

in a majority of nations worldwide

Adds "worldwide" for emphasis and specifies a majority of nations on a global scale.

throughout much of the world

Shifts focus to the global reach and replaces "countries" with the broader term "world".

in most parts of the globe

Substitutes "countries" with "parts of the globe", giving a more geographical perspective.

on a global scale

Focuses on the global impact or prevalence, omitting the specific mention of "countries".

internationally speaking

Introduces a conversational tone, indicating a general truth across international contexts.

in the international community

Emphasizes the collective aspect of nations, suggesting a norm or practice within the international sphere.

by international standards

Refers to commonly accepted standards across nations, implying widespread agreement or practice.

across borders

Highlights the transcending of national boundaries, implying a commonality that extends beyond individual countries.

FAQs

How can I use "in most countries" in a sentence?

You can use "in most countries" to make generalizations about laws, customs, or trends. For instance, "In most countries, education is compulsory until a certain age".

What's a more formal alternative to "in most countries"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in the majority of nations" or "on a global scale".

Is it always accurate to start a sentence with "in most countries"?

While "in most countries" is a common phrase, ensure your statement is factually accurate. What applies in "most countries" may not apply universally, and exceptions can exist.

Can "in many countries" be used interchangeably with "in most countries"?

While similar, "across many countries" suggests a substantial number, whereas "in most countries" implies a majority. Choose the phrase that best reflects the scope of your statement.