a state official

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state official" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an individual who holds a position of authority or responsibility within a state government. Example: "The state official announced new policies aimed at improving public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Basically, it's pork," a state official said.

The New York Times

A state official was more blunt in his calculation.

The New York Times

As a state official, though, Mr Nemtsov gave himself no airs.

The Economist

"This is not a pristine, babbling brook," a state official told Mr. Stein.

The New York Times - Science

He was always accompanied by a state official who would choose a suitable location.

The Guardian - Arts

In 2011, a state official concluded definitively that the inspector had been wrong.

The New York Times

As a state official, she worked with moderate Republicans on education, health care and other issues.

The New York Times

A state official said Mr. Harano's background with the state did not influence the grant decision.

The New York Times

A state official called the response to the order "very healthy".

The New York Times

"As a minimum, a state official must at least have a head," he said.

The New York Times

As a state official, he could visit there without fear of being outed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a state official", ensure the context clearly indicates which state is being referred to, especially if it's not immediately obvious to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a state official" without specifying the state, as it can create ambiguity. Instead, specify the state, for example, "a California state official".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state official" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an individual holding a position within a state government, as seen in numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a state official" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an individual holding a position in state government. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s widely used in neutral and informative contexts, especially in news and media. Specifying the state is advisable for clarity. Alternatives include "a government representative" or "a public administrator", but they may not be perfectly interchangeable depending on the context. Be aware that not specifying which state is being referenced can introduce ambiguity. Ludwig examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian show its widespread and consistent use in reporting and factual accounts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a member of the state administration

This alternative is more descriptive and less concise.

an officer of the state

This alternative sounds more formal and legalistic.

a government representative

This alternative broadens the scope to any level of government, not specifically state.

a state executive

Focuses specifically on the executive branch of the state government.

a state authority

This term refers more to the power held, rather than the person holding it.

a public administrator

This term focuses on the administrative aspect of the role, rather than the official capacity.

a state representative

This term implies someone elected to represent a constituency, rather than appointed.

a civil servant

This refers to someone employed by the state, but not necessarily in a position of authority.

a governmental agent

Suggests someone acting on behalf of the state, but could be broader than just an official.

a state government employee

This is a more general term, encompassing all employees, not just officials.

FAQs

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

You can use "a state official" to describe someone holding a position of authority in a state government. For example, "A state official announced new environmental regulations."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a government representative", "a public administrator", or "a member of the state administration".

Is it necessary to specify which state when referring to "a state official"?

For clarity, it's often best to specify the state, especially if the context doesn't make it obvious. For example, "a New York state official" is more specific than simply "a state official".

What is the difference between "a state official" and "a federal official"?

"A state official" works for a state government, while "a federal official" works for the national government. Their roles and responsibilities differ accordingly.