foreign state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreign state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a country other than the one you are currently in. For example, "I am currently residing in a foreign state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"YOU work for a foreign state".

The Economist

Italians have expressed outrage that a protected foreign state monopolist is butting into their electricity market.

The Economist

Pollard pleaded guilty to having conveyed classified information to a foreign state and cooperated with investigators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the attack was clearly launched by a foreign state, the generals might get busy retaliating.

The Economist

It's an offence to assist the armed forces "of a foreign state at war with any foreign state at peace with Her Majesty".

The Guardian

"I had thought that death was a separate, foreign state," Coutts writes.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The government is even toying with imposing legal curbs on foreign state-owned companies' investment.

The Economist

Would we be comfortable with a foreign state-owned entity being able to do the same?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Foreign state-run companies, like the Chinese, are voraciously scooping out energy projects, so there are definitely buyers out there".

The New York Times

It was reported at the time that several foreign state-owned enterprises were weighing up bids for the cattle empire.

The Guardian

At its conference the shadow transport secretary, Maria Eagle, attacked the "nonsense" of allowing foreign state-backed firms to run UK railway franchises while excluding DOR.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, especially in geopolitical discussions, always clarify which country you are referring to when using the term "foreign state".

Common error

Avoid using "foreign state" in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "another country" or "overseas" are more appropriate for everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign state" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a country other than the one being referenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreign state" is a noun phrase used to refer to a country that is not one's own, suitable for formal and neutral contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and science. While interchangeable with terms like "another country" or "overseas nation" in some contexts, "foreign state" maintains a level of formality often preferred in legal and political discussions. When writing about international affairs, using precise language is crucial, and "foreign state" serves this purpose effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another country

Simple and direct substitution, suitable for general contexts.

international country

Replaces 'foreign' with 'international', focusing on the global aspect rather than otherness.

foreign power

Emphasizes the political and military strength of the country.

overseas nation

Substitutes 'foreign' with 'overseas', emphasizing geographical location.

non-domestic country

A more formal and explicit way of saying "foreign state".

external power

Focuses on the political influence of another country.

alien nation

Uses 'alien' to highlight the difference or unfamiliarity of the country.

external nation

Focuses on the outward-facing aspects and relationships of a country.

international entity

Replaces 'state' with 'entity', broadening the scope to include non-state actors.

non-native land

Shifts the focus to the perspective of someone residing outside their country of origin.

FAQs

How to use "foreign state" in a sentence?

Use "foreign state" to refer to a country other than your own, especially in formal or legal contexts. For example: "The treaty was signed with a "foreign state"."

What can I say instead of "foreign state"?

You can use alternatives like "another country", "overseas nation", or "international country" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "foreign state" or "foreign nation"?

"Foreign state" and "foreign nation" are often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Foreign state" is more formal and often used in legal or political contexts, while "foreign nation" can be used more broadly.

What's the difference between "foreign state" and "international community"?

"Foreign state" refers to a single country other than your own. "International community" refers to a collective group of nations working together or sharing common goals.