[InJen]

I have got a problem in presenting an idea in English, but this is also a problem in Chinese. I often encounter such a thing when reading wikipedia of the English version.
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let me make a list, according to the real ranking (ranking or rank or ranking list or rank list?) of the top economies in the world:

1. The US
2. China
3. Japan
4. Germany

I alway say:
1. The US is the greatest economy in the world.
2. China is the second greatest economy in the world.
3. Japan is the third greatest economy in the world.
4. Germany is the fourth greatest economy in the world.

sometimes on the Internet, I would find something like this:

Germany is the fourth greatest economy in the world after the US, China, and Japan.

I think this is wrong, because it has distorted the fact.
I think it should be:

Germany is the greatest economy in the world after the US, China, and Japan.

Or it should be :

Germany is the fourth greatest economy in the world, just after the US, China, and Japan.

May I know your opinion?
which one do you think is correct?

[InJen]

here is also a question I hope you can answer.

Examinations

million thanks.

[susan53]

1. ranking - but why "real"?

2. Do you really mean "greatest" or just "largest". "Great" can refer to size, but here gives the impression that you think its admirable, or wonderful. Compare : Da Vinci was one of the greatest scientists of all time/ We had a great time at the weekend.

3. All that's wrong with the original sentence is the lack of a comma : Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world, after the US, China, and Japan. Without the comma, then your sentence is preferable : Germany is the largest economy in the world after the US, China, and Japan.

4. Don't add "just" to this sentence - it's an informal word and clashes with the more formal context that this type of sentence would be found in. use immediately : Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world, immediately after the US, China, and Japan.

[InJen]

thank you very much. I said REAL because the problematic sentence might cause wrong ideas.