altered state of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altered state of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a condition of consciousness that is different from the normal waking state, often associated with meditation, drugs, or other experiences. Example: "Many people seek an altered state of consciousness through various practices such as meditation or yoga."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He described the feelings MDMA induced as "an easily controlled altered state of consciousness with emotional and sensual overtones".

The Guardian

Visual hallucinations as part of PSVP are isolated without associated mental disturbances such as dementia, psychosis, or altered state of consciousness.

Supplements to Clinical Neurophysiology

The imagined VR in the 1992 horror film Lawnmower Man hardly foreshadowed a future where the tech can induce an altered state of reality born from an incredibly designed digital experience.

TechCrunch

The patients included had in average 3 severity criteria, mainly acute kidney injury (67%), altered state of consciousness (51%), hypotension (56%), and lactate above 36 mg/dL (34%).

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

An altered state of mind.

Huffington Post

The pain that comes with sadomasochistic sex may cause the brain to shunt blood flow away from this region, causing a subjectively altered state of consciousness — and the appeal of SM, Ambler said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A synonymous phrase is "altered states of awareness" or "altered state of mind".

WikiHow

How can we study altered states of consciousness objectively?

University of California, Berkeley

Music genres often express strong attitudes towards altered states of consciousness.

The Guardian - Music

It is impossible to legislate away people's desire to experience altered states of mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her films involve restaging the dreams, nightmares or altered states of consciousness of friends and relatives.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a shift in mental or physical status, use "altered state of" to accurately convey the change from a baseline condition.

Common error

Avoid using "altered state of" when simply describing a different but normal condition. Reserve it for situations involving a clear deviation from a typical or baseline state of being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altered state of" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier. It characterizes a noun, typically referring to consciousness, mind, or physical condition, indicating a change from a normal or baseline state. Ludwig's analysis shows its use in describing various altered states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "altered state of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression employed to denote a deviation from a typical or baseline condition, especially concerning consciousness or physical state. While not exceedingly common, as evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, its presence in sources spanning science, news, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility. The phrase functions descriptively, offering a way to convey changes in perception, awareness, or physical well-being. Though suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it appears with greater frequency in scientific, medical, and journalistic writing, indicating a leaning towards a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms the proper usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Changed state of

A more general term, applicable to any state that has undergone transformation.

Modified condition of

Emphasizes a change in the overall condition or status, rather than specifically consciousness.

Transformed condition of

Highlights a significant change or metamorphosis in a condition.

Distinctive state of

Highlights a state with unique or easily recognizable characteristics.

Shifted state of

Suggests a movement or displacement from one state to another.

Unusual state of

Emphasizes the uncommon or peculiar nature of the state.

Varied state of

Focuses on the change or difference in the state, suggesting it's not constant.

Deviated state of

Implies a departure from a normal or expected state.

Extraordinary state of

Highlights that the state is remarkable or exceptional.

Aberrant state of

Highlights that the state is abnormal or not typically observed.

FAQs

What does "altered state of" mean?

The phrase "altered state of" refers to a condition that deviates from the normal, waking state of consciousness or physical condition. It suggests a change or modification from a baseline.

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

You might say, "Meditation can induce an "altered state of" consciousness" or "The patient presented with an "altered state of" awareness after the accident."

What are some synonyms for "altered state of"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "changed state of", "modified condition of", or "transformed state of". Consider which best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "altered state of" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "altered state of" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although it is often encountered in scientific, medical, or psychological discussions.