world leader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'world leader' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a person who has an authoritative position within the global community, usually a head of state or government. For example, "The Prime Minister of Canada is widely regarded as an important world leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She is a world leader".

The New Yorker

That's one world leader.

The Washington Post

In retailing, Royal Ahold is a world leader.

The Economist

He is a world leader.

The Washington Post

"I thought I'd be a world leader".

The New York Times

He carried himself like a world leader.

The Guardian - Arts

"We're supposed to be the world leader".

The New York Times

However, Bashir is no ordinary world leader.

The Washington Post

Who is the shortest world leader?

The Guardian

Fanuc, a world leader in factory robots, enjoyed 33% returns.

The Economist

IT'S tough being a world leader these days.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "world leader", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of global influence or expertise. Provide specific examples or achievements to substantiate the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "world leader" loosely for individuals or entities with limited or localized impact. Ensure the subject's influence genuinely extends to a global scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "world leader" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that it refers to someone with significant global influence. The phrase is descriptive, identifying individuals or entities recognized for their prominence on an international level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "world leader" is a common and generally correct noun phrase used to describe entities with significant global influence. According to Ludwig, this influence can be political, economic, or related to expertise in a particular field. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. It's crucial to ensure the context justifies the claim of global influence, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives like "global leader" or "leading authority" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance. Remember that while widely used, the term carries weight and should be applied accurately. The high frequency and authoritative sources found by Ludwig confirm its established usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

global leader

Emphasizes the worldwide scope of influence, similar to "world leader".

international figure

Highlights the person's recognition and impact on the international stage.

leading authority

Focuses on the expertise and recognized knowledge of the individual.

global influencer

Highlights the person's impact on trends, opinions, or behaviors worldwide.

key player on the world stage

Indicates an important role in international affairs.

major world power

Refers to a country or entity with significant global influence.

prominent statesman

Implies a respected and influential political leader.

visionary leader

Highlights the forward-thinking and innovative qualities of the leader.

esteemed diplomat

Focuses on the diplomatic skills and international relations expertise.

influential figure

Broad term emphasizing the person's widespread impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "world leader" to describe a person, group, or country with significant global influence. For instance, "The Prime Minister is seen as a key "world leader" in addressing climate change".

What are some alternatives to "world leader"?

Alternatives include "global leader", "international figure", or "leading authority", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a company as a "world leader"?

Yes, it is appropriate if the company holds a dominant position in its industry on a global scale. For example, "That company is a "world leader" in renewable energy technology".

What qualities define a "world leader"?

Key qualities include significant influence on the global stage, recognized expertise in a specific field, and the ability to shape international events or trends.