heightened state of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightened state of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increased or intensified condition or feeling, often in contexts related to emotions, awareness, or alertness. Example: "After the alarming news, she found herself in a heightened state of anxiety, unable to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: - heightened state of alert since they permanently deployed the Silkworms..

The New York Times

"This puts the Pacific at this already heightened state of high carbon and low pH," Chu says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the nightmares, concentration problems and heightened state of alertness usually go away in a few weeks.

The Washington Post

Though it should be noted that "arousing" only indicates a generally heightened state of awareness or attention.

TechCrunch

How to play this hand: Incentivized hands leverage the heightened state of emotion upon reaching a milestone.

Huffington Post

Though always spiritually inclined, that year he experienced a "sudden and inexplicable" heightened state of grace and well-being.

Huffington Post

Plasma and urinary MDA were significantly increased in smokers reflecting the heightened state of oxidative stress.

BMC Nephrology

43 This heightened state of cellular activation arises from elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines released in response to foreign antigens and bacterium.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

In the article "A Heightened State of Anxiety" (Oct.

The New York Times

Right now we're on a heightened state of alert.

The New York Times

The spokeswoman said: "There is a heightened state of security since the London bombings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heightened state of" to accurately describe an intensified or elevated condition, whether it relates to emotions, security, or physical states. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being intensified.

Common error

Avoid using "heightened state of" when a simpler adjective might suffice. For example, instead of "a heightened state of awareness", consider just "heightened awareness" or even "increased awareness" if the word 'state' adds no additional meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened state of" functions as a modifier, typically followed by a noun to describe an intensified condition or feeling. Ludwig indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heightened state of" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as Ludwig confirms. It effectively conveys an intensified condition across various contexts, including emotional states, security measures, and scientific phenomena. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's crucial to ensure its use adds meaningful emphasis and avoid redundancy. Alternatives such as "increased level of" or "elevated state of" can offer nuanced variations. With careful application, "heightened state of" remains a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased level of

Changes the word 'state' to 'level', implying a measured degree rather than a general condition.

elevated state of

Replaces 'heightened' with 'elevated', suggesting a rise or increase to a higher level.

intensified state of

Substitutes 'heightened' with 'intensified', focusing on the increased strength or degree of the state.

heightened sense of

Similar, but 'sense' often implies awareness or perception, which may slightly narrow the context.

increased degree of

Emphasizes a measurable increase rather than a general state.

heightened level of

Combines 'heightened' with 'level' for a blend of emphasis on both increase and measurable quantity.

acute state of

Suggests a sharp or severe state, implying a sudden or critical condition.

enhanced state of

Replaces 'heightened' with 'enhanced', suggesting an improved or augmented state.

heightened condition of

Changes 'state' to 'condition', which refers to the circumstances or factors affecting something.

peak state of

Implies reaching the highest point or intensity of a state.

FAQs

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

You can use "heightened state of" to describe an intensified condition or feeling. For example, "The city was in a heightened state of alert after the bomb threat" or "She experienced a heightened state of anxiety before the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "heightened state of"?

Alternatives include "increased level of", "elevated state of", or "intensified state of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "heightened state of awareness" or "heightened awareness"?

"Heightened awareness" is often more concise and direct. The phrase "heightened state of awareness" can be used for emphasis, but consider whether the word 'state' adds meaningful nuance. Simplification improves readability.

What is the difference between "heightened state of alert" and "heightened state of readiness"?

"Heightened state of alert" typically implies a response to an immediate or perceived threat, while "heightened state of readiness" indicates a more proactive preparation for potential future events. The former is reactive; the latter, preventive.