'in the world' versus 'on the world'

[Kate Busch]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #87 "Common English Errors (3)", question 4

It's one of the nicest countries ..........

(a) on the earth
(b) in the world
(c) on the globe
(d) on the world

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #87 "Common English Errors (3)", answer 4

It's one of the nicest countries in the world.

Correct answer: (b) in the world

Your answer was: incorrect
It's one of the nicest countries on the world.
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Can somebody help me please? I don't know the differences between "in the world" and "on the world" (in meaning). And in what cases we use "in the world" or "on the world". I really appreciate this. Kate.

Kate

[Yankee]

Hi Kate

You can use "in the world" to talk inclusively about all of something that can be found throughout the world. A synonym is "on earth". Typically there would also be a superlative in the sentence (as there was in the test question: "nicest"). Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

Or you could use "in the world" to talk about everything in a particular "world" (category):
Many well-known people in the world of sports are paid to promote specific products.

Regarding "on the world": you could use that in a phrase such as "a window on the world".
Or the word "on" could possibly be used to mean "about": He has interesting theories on the world of finance.

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Rahul B]

Hi,

Why can't we use 'on the globe' instead?

Please clarify.

Rahul

[Conchita]