affairs of state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affairs of state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the activities, responsibilities, or matters related to the governance and administration of a state or government. Example: "The president addressed the nation regarding the current affairs of state and the measures being taken to ensure stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bye-bye, reason and affairs of state.

The Guardian - Books

Shah Maḥmūd left affairs of state to Fatḥ Khan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can bring an open mind to affairs of state.

Independent

I would rather he concentrated on the affairs of state".

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Wells was also active in affairs of state.

The New York Times

Women occasionally took the upper hand in affairs of state.

The New York Times - Arts

In the years after the Revolt, Richard's interest in the affairs of state intermittently increased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He pursued his enemies relentlessly and closely supervised all affairs of state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The conflict of interest between his own business and affairs of state would be gargantuan.

The Economist

"SECRECY", declared Cardinal Richelieu, "is the first essential in affairs of state".

The Economist

Yet here is where Washington invented the executive branch, conducting affairs of state.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "governmental matters" or "state business" when aiming for a more concise or less formal expression, while still maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "affairs of state" when referring to personal matters or situations unrelated to government and governance. This phrase carries a specific connotation of official business and should not be diluted by applying it to trivial or irrelevant contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affairs of state" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It typically denotes matters of governmental importance or political concern. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affairs of state" is a frequently used noun phrase referring to important governmental and political matters. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts such as news reports, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While synonyms like "governmental matters" or "state business" exist, "affairs of state" carries a specific connotation of seriousness and significance. It's important to avoid using the phrase in personal or trivial contexts, as this can dilute its intended meaning. Its widespread usage in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its legitimacy and relevance in discussions of governance and politics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state business

A more concise and direct way of referring to official government activities, often used in professional contexts.

governmental matters

Emphasizes the practical and functional aspects of running a government, focusing on specific issues and tasks.

national governance

Highlights the overall system and structure through which a country is managed, suggesting a broader perspective.

political issues

Focuses on the strategic and ideological dimensions of governance, highlighting debate and decision-making processes.

public administration

Refers to the implementation of government policies and the management of public resources, emphasizing efficiency and organization.

government policy

Highlights specific plans and strategies adopted by the government, focusing on their content and impact.

diplomatic relations

Specifically addresses the interactions and negotiations between different countries, emphasizing international affairs.

legislative affairs

Focuses on the process of making laws and the activities of the legislative branch, emphasizing legal and procedural aspects.

foreign policy

Concerns a government's strategy in dealing with other nations.

domestic policy

Concerns a government's strategy in dealing with issues inside their borders.

FAQs

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

You can use "affairs of state" to refer to matters related to the governance and administration of a state or government. For example: "The president addressed the nation regarding the current "affairs of state"."

What phrases can I use instead of "affairs of state"?

Alternatives include "governmental matters", "political issues", or "state business", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "affairs of state" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "affairs of state" is generally more suitable for formal discussions, news reports, or academic writing. In informal conversations, simpler terms like "politics" or "government issues" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "affairs of state" and "political affairs"?

"Affairs of state" typically encompasses a broader range of governmental activities, including administration, diplomacy, and policy-making. "Political affairs" is usually more narrowly focused on political processes, elections, and party politics.