in a particular state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a particular state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a specific condition or situation that something or someone is in. Example: "The system is currently in a particular state that requires immediate attention from the technical team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cytoplasmic determinants may consist of mRNA or protein in a particular state of activation.

Britannica

You don't need to live in a particular state to invest in its 529.

The Washington Post

That's an art form in a particular state of grace", he says.

Independent

The less political violence in a particular state, the greater the public shock at an act of terrorism.

The Guardian - Books

The mandates require insurers who sell policies in a particular state to offer or provide certain coverage.

The New York Times

If the course is relevant only to participants in a particular state or region, it will be listed there.

Cornell University

Typically, they focus on resistance, which is trying to force a forest to stay in a particular state.

Yale University

The tools Google provides to the public for analyzing searches generally make it possible to look at the inquiries made in a particular state, not by individual cities.

The New York Times

A. Any individual medical practitioner or group of medical practitioners who are licensed in a particular state can buy a practice.

The New York Times

Each measurement essentially resets the quantum system so, in principle, measuring the state of a quantum object often enough can maintain it in a particular state forever.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Karl asked whether a presidential candidate should consider how well a vice presidential nominee might appeal in a particular state or to a demographic group.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a particular state", ensure the context clearly defines or implies what that state is. Avoid vagueness by providing sufficient details or examples.

Common error

While acceptable, "in a particular state" can sometimes sound verbose in formal writing. Consider using more concise alternatives like "specifically" or rephrasing the sentence for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a particular state" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to specify a condition, situation, or mode of being. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various domains to describe diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a particular state" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify a condition or situation across various contexts. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential verbosity in highly formal contexts and consider more concise alternatives when appropriate. Overall, its function is to add specific detail, its purpose is to enhance clarity, and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a specific condition

Replaces "particular" with "specific", emphasizing clarity and precision but keeping the same structure.

in a defined state

Suggests a more formal or technical definition of the state, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

in a given situation

Focuses on the scenario or context, implying a temporary or circumstantial state.

under certain circumstances

Shifts the focus to the external factors influencing the state, rather than the state itself.

in a determined state

Emphasizes that the state has been decided or established, perhaps by an external force.

experiencing a certain condition

Highlights the act of undergoing or living through the state, rather than just being in it.

subject to specific conditions

Puts emphasis on external conditions affecting something's state, shifting the focus from intrinsic properties.

under a certain set of conditions

Implies that a group of factors has coalesced into a state, highlighting the group rather than any single element.

when a particular situation occurs

Focuses on the onset or occurrence of the state, rather than simply being within it.

in a unique situation

Uses "unique" instead of "particular", underlining the rarity or singularity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in a particular state" in a sentence?

Use "in a particular state" to specify a condition or situation. For example, "The patient was "in a critical state"" or "The software functions differently "in a testing state"".

What are some alternatives to "in a particular state"?

You can use alternatives like "in a specific condition", "under certain circumstances", or "in a given situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in a particular state" or "in a specific state"?

Both "in a particular state" and "in a specific state" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "specific" may imply a greater degree of precision.

What's the difference between "in a particular state" and "under certain conditions"?

"In a particular state" describes the condition something is experiencing, while "under certain conditions" refers to the external factors affecting that state. The former is descriptive, the latter is causal.