an ideal state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an ideal state' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a perfect or ideal situation, or an ideal configuration of things. For example, "The government is working towards achieving an ideal state for the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But this is an ideal state of affairs.

The New Yorker

Thus, in an ideal state, laws express the general will.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A. That nature is not an ideal state.

The New York Times - Science

The uniformity of repeatable perfection seemed like an ideal state of play.

The New Yorker

These are the principles we would favor in an ideal state of social and epistemic equality.

The New York Times

Maybe this isn't an ideal state of affairs — but then maybe, in an ideal world, boxing wouldn't exist at all.

The New Yorker

The ultimate goal is to create an ideal state, not rarely preceded by the qualification "Greater Greater Serbiaia, for example, or Greater Croatia.

The New York Times

Rawls argued that the most rational principles of justice are those we would accept in an ideal state of equality — the "original position".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The proposed RWNN emulator adaptively trains to follow an ideal state-feedback controller which is designed on the underlying linear model (ULM) of the plant.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Feedback loops are hypothetical paths whereby a discrepancy between a current state and a perceived ideal state is modified by a specific process or mechanism [ 28].

BMC Health Services Research

And it's also likely that having high expectations for happiness may encourage someone to make unfavorable comparisons between what they experience and an imagined, ideal state of happiness, which can lead to frustration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ideal state", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the state 'ideal'. Be specific about the characteristics and conditions that constitute its ideal nature.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume the audience understands what constitutes the "ideal" in "an ideal state". Always clarify the specific criteria and characteristics that define the ideal condition to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ideal state" functions as a noun phrase, with "ideal" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "state". It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing a desired or perfect condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it fulfills this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ideal state" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a perfect or optimal condition. As Ludwig shows, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define what makes the state "ideal" to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a state of perfection" or "an optimal situation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a state of perfection

Rearranges the words to highlight the quality of being perfect.

an optimal situation

Replaces "ideal" with "optimal", focusing on the most favorable or advantageous circumstances.

the best possible condition

Emphasizes the superiority and desirability of the condition.

a perfect scenario

Changes the wording to emphasize the perfection of the situation rather than the state itself.

a flawless environment

Focuses on the absence of defects or problems in the surrounding circumstances.

a utopian vision

Implies a more idealistic and potentially unrealistic perfect state.

a gold standard

Introduces the concept of a benchmark representing excellence.

a peak performance

Shifts the emphasis to the highest level of achievement or functioning.

the ultimate goal

Highlights that it is the final desired outcome.

a heaven on earth

Implies a state of perfect peace and happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "an ideal state" in a sentence?

You can use "an ideal state" to describe a perfect or optimal situation. For example: "The goal is to achieve "an ideal state" where everyone has access to quality education."

What are some alternatives to saying "an ideal state"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a perfect scenario", "an optimal situation", or "a state of perfection".

Is it appropriate to use "an ideal state" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ideal state" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where you need to describe a desired or perfect condition. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What's the difference between "an ideal state" and "a utopian vision"?

"An ideal state" generally refers to a perfect or optimal condition that is achievable or practical. "A utopian vision", on the other hand, often implies a more idealistic and potentially unrealistic perfect state.