Please state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please state" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to request someone to express or articulate something clearly, often in formal or official contexts. Example: "Please state your name and position for the record."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please state your name at the tone".

The New York Times

Please state your problem slowly and clearly.

The New York Times

Please state your reason for calling, after the beep.

The New Yorker

Please state if you'd prefer to remain anonymous.

The Guardian

Please state your age and your school clearly.

The Guardian - Books

Please state the problem for which you would like help.

The New York Times

Please state your name and address on the back of the envelope.

Independent

"Please state your name, the date, the amount and then say I have been paid in full and all accounts are fully settled to my complete satisfaction".

The New York Times - Magazine

Please state in which country you predominantly practice.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Please state "For Special Issue on the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake" clearly in the covering letter that accompanies the submission.

Earth, Planets and Space

Please state "For the Special Issue: First Results of the 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake" clearly in the covering letter that accompanies the submission.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Please state" in formal contexts, such as legal documents or official correspondence, to ensure clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "Please state" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "Can you tell me" or "Could you explain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please state" functions as an imperative, directing the recipient to provide specific information or clarification. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a polite yet direct way of requesting a response, often used in formal settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Please state" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative, predominantly found in formal and professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its function as a direct yet polite way to solicit information. While highly appropriate for settings requiring clarity and precision, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "could you explain" or "kindly specify" offer varying degrees of formality and can be chosen to best suit the communication context. Given its prevalence in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, the phrase maintains a strong level of authority and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please specify

A direct and somewhat formal request for details.

Kindly specify

More formal and polite.

Indicate

Suggests a need for clear indication of something.

Could you clarify

Requests clarification on something already mentioned.

Describe

Requests a description.

Explain further

Requests a more detailed explanation.

Elaborate on

Asks for more detail or expansion on a topic.

Detail

A concise way to ask for specifics.

Define

Asks for a precise definition.

Outline

Suggests a need for highlighting the main features.

FAQs

How can I use "Please state" in a sentence?

You can use "Please state" to formally request information or clarification. For example, "Please state your name and affiliation for the record".

What is a less formal alternative to "Please state"?

Less formal alternatives include "could you explain", "can you tell me", or "what is depending on the situation".

Which is correct, "Please state" or "Kindly state"?

Both "Please state" and "kindly specify" are correct, but "Kindly specify" is generally considered more polite and formal.

When is it appropriate to use "Please state"?

It's appropriate to use "Please state" in formal settings such as legal proceedings, official requests, or academic inquiries where clear and direct communication is required.