a state of rest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of rest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition where someone or something is not active or in motion, often referring to physical or mental relaxation. Example: "After a long day at work, I enjoy spending my evenings in a state of rest, free from any distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

In a state of rest, these particles have mass and are the constituents of atoms and atomic nuclei.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The surface of their work is often jumpy, even hyperactive, but in "Fargo" they associated goodness with, of all things, a state of rest.

The New Yorker

For example, contact between the hairs on the feet and the ground inhibits movement and may lead to a state of rest in some insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Weight and gravitational pull have the same effect on music, I think, as they do on any physical object accelerating from a state of rest.

The New York Times - Arts

The First Law on inertia states that every object will remain in a state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.

Yale University

Traditionally, it was also described as final causality, in contrast with explanation solely in terms of efficient causes (the origin of a change or a state of rest in something).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

So they come to rest in a state of mutual inhibition, in which neither "shines" as brightly as it would if unimpeded by the other.[20] What Herbart calls the "inhibition-sum", then, is the total of the opposed inhibitory forces, i.e., the total inhibiting exerted by the opposed representations upon each other, in a state of resting equilibrium.

SEP

The value of the energy we obtain from Einstein's equation when S and O are in a state of relative rest is often called the rest-energy and is commonly designated Eo.

SEP

Since the mind and body are intimately connected, we gain a state of profound rest -- much deeper than ordinary relaxation -- when we transcend thought altogether.

Huffington Post

It's a state of profound rest that can be elicited in many ways.

Harvard University

The principle recognizes, first and foremost, that there is no such thing as a state of absolute rest.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a state of rest" when describing physical or mental inactivity. For example, "Meditation can help you achieve a state of rest."

Common error

While similar, "a state of rest" describes a general condition of inactivity. "Resting state" often refers to a specific, measurable condition in scientific or medical contexts, especially related to brain activity. Be precise with your terminology.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a state of rest" is that of a noun phrase. It typically functions as a subject complement, object of a preposition, or appositive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a state of rest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase across diverse fields like academia, news, and science, to describe conditions of inactivity and tranquility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness for indicating physical or mental relaxation. While primarily neutral in register, context dictates its formality. Remember to distinguish it from the technical term "resting state", and consider alternatives like "a condition of inactivity" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a condition of inactivity

Replaces 'state' with 'condition' and uses 'inactivity' to emphasize the lack of action.

a period of repose

Emphasizes relaxation and tranquility by using 'repose' instead of 'rest'.

a moment of tranquility

Focuses on the peaceful aspect, replacing 'rest' with 'tranquility'.

a phase of dormancy

Highlights inactivity, particularly in a biological or metaphorical sense.

a condition of stillness

Emphasizes the absence of movement by using 'stillness'.

a respite from activity

Highlights the break or pause from being active.

a peaceful interlude

Uses 'peaceful interlude' to describe a temporary period of quiet and calm.

a moment of peace

Focuses on the tranquility and calmness achieved.

a cessation of motion

Formally describes the stopping of movement or activity.

a lull in proceedings

Suggests a temporary pause or quiet period in ongoing events.

FAQs

How can I use "a state of rest" in a sentence?

You can use "a state of rest" to describe periods of inactivity or relaxation. For example: "The athlete needed to achieve "a state of rest" after the competition".

What is an alternative to saying "a state of rest"?

Alternatives include "a condition of inactivity", "a period of repose", or "a moment of tranquility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a state of rest" and "resting state"?

"A state of rest" is a general term for being inactive. "Resting state" is often a technical term in science and medicine referring to a specific measurable condition, especially in brain studies.

Is "a state of rest" formal or informal?

"A state of rest" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.