a police state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a police state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a government that exercises strict control over its citizens, often through the use of police and surveillance. Example: "Many citizens fear that their country is becoming a police state, where dissent is not tolerated and privacy is nonexistent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is a police state.

The New York Times

This was a police state".

The New York Times

He mentioned a police state.

The New York Times

It's called a police state.

The New Yorker

We're turning into a police state".

The New Yorker

Creepy indeed, in a police state.

The New York Times - Books

We still live in a police state".

The New York Times

"France is not a police state".

The New York Times

This is not a police state.

Independent

The country remains a police state.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or will it make America a police state?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The term "a police state" is often used to criticize a government, so ensure your tone is appropriate and respectful, even when expressing strong disagreement. Avoid inflammatory language that could undermine your message.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a police state" hyperbolically for situations that don't genuinely reflect systemic oppression and control. Overusing the term dilutes its impact and can trivialize the experiences of those living under actual oppressive regimes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a police state" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to label a type of government or political system characterized by oppressive control. Ludwig AI examples show it being used to describe both historical and contemporary situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "a police state" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe governments marked by oppressive control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media and serves to criticize perceived overreach. While the phrase is widely understood, it's crucial to use it judiciously, providing specific examples to support the claim and avoiding hyperbolic application. Consider alternatives like "authoritarian state" or "surveillance state" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and trivialize the experiences of people living under actual oppressive regimes. A deep understanding of the term ensures responsible and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

police-controlled nation

Highlights the prominent role of the police force in maintaining order and suppressing opposition.

authoritarian state

Emphasizes the authoritarian nature of the government, focusing on its strict control and lack of democratic processes.

totalitarian regime

Highlights the all-encompassing control exerted by the government over every aspect of life.

surveillance state

Focuses on the extensive monitoring and data collection activities of the government.

repressive regime

Stresses the oppressive actions and policies of the government, particularly towards dissent.

controlled society

Highlights the limited freedoms and pervasive oversight within the society.

autocratic government

Emphasizes the rule of a single person or small group with unlimited power.

dictatorship

Focuses on the absolute power held by a single leader, often acquired through force.

illiberal democracy

Describes a system where elections occur, but civil liberties are restricted.

security state

Emphasizes the prioritization of national security concerns over individual freedoms.

FAQs

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

You can use "a police state" to describe a country where the government maintains control through oppressive measures. For example, "Critics argue that increased surveillance is turning the country into "a police state"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a police state"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "authoritarian state", "totalitarian regime", or "surveillance state" to describe similar situations.

What are the characteristics of "a police state"?

Key characteristics of "a police state" include extensive surveillance, limited freedom of speech and assembly, arbitrary arrests, and a heavy presence of law enforcement in everyday life.

Is it accurate to describe any country with strict laws as "a police state"?

Not necessarily. While strict laws may be a feature of "a police state", the term generally implies a systemic and oppressive level of control that goes beyond typical law enforcement.