in the world

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the world" is correct and usable in written English and is usually used to indicate something that is universal or applies to everyone.
Example sentence: There is no greater joy than helping others in need all around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing in the world".

The New Yorker

Third in the world!

The Guardian

What's in the world?

The New Yorker

What in the world?

The New Yorker

anywhere in the world.

The New York Times

in the world.

The New Yorker

agency in the world.

The New Yorker

"Probably in the world.

The New York Times - Sports

— the largest in the world.

The New Yorker

Do well in the world.

The New Yorker

"I'm twelfth in the world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the world" to add emphasis to superlatives, such as "the best pizza in the world", to convey a strong opinion or feeling.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "in the world" in formal or academic writing. In these contexts, more precise and objective language is often preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the world" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It serves to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by adding emphasis, scope, or context to the statement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the world" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to add emphasis, express surprise, or indicate global scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it's best used to intensify statements or questions. When writing, use it to add emphasis to superlatives, but avoid overuse in formal contexts. For variety, consider alternatives like "on earth" or "globally". Remember to check the context to ensure that the usage of "in the world" fits the communication intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on earth

Replaces "in the world" to emphasize disbelief or strong emotion in questions or statements.

globally

Focuses on the worldwide extent or scale of something.

worldwide

Similar to "globally", but can also imply a sense of comprehensiveness.

across the globe

Emphasizes geographic distribution and reach.

on a global scale

Highlights the magnitude and impact of something internationally.

in all corners of the earth

Adds a more figurative and descriptive element, emphasizing broad reach.

throughout the world

Focuses on distribution and presence in various locations.

universally

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of something, applying to everyone or everything.

internationally

Highlights involvement or impact across different nations.

anywhere

Implies the absence of geographical limitations, suggesting that something can occur or be found in every place.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the world" to emphasize a statement or question, such as "What "in the world" is going on?" or "She is the kindest person "in the world"".

What does "in the world" mean?

"In the world" is an idiomatic expression used for emphasis, often expressing surprise, disbelief, or strong feeling. It can also refer to something's global scope or extent.

What can I say instead of "in the world" to add emphasis?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "on earth", "globally", or "universally" to add emphasis or indicate global scope.

Is it correct to say "of the world" instead of "in the world"?

The choice between "of the world" and "in the world" depends on the intended meaning. "Of the world" typically refers to something related to the world's systems or characteristics, while "in the world" often expresses location, inclusion, or emphasis.