in a state of flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a state of flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mental state where a person is fully immersed and engaged in an activity, often leading to high levels of productivity and creativity. Example: "When I write, I often find myself in a state of flow, where the words just seem to come effortlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I was in a state of flow.

The New York Times

According to Csikszentmihalyi, when we are in a state of flow, we are more likely to feel good.

The Guardian

DARPA, for example, found that military snipers trained in a state of flow learned 230percentt faster than normal.

Harvard Business Review

So far as I can look at my own mind at all, it is in a state of flow mirroring the responsive flux I feel in the writing.

The Guardian - Books

And when we are fully absorbed in an activity, in a state of flow, it can be adaptive to lose self-awareness.

The Washington Post

When you're in the zone, you're in a state of flow, and the big project you're working on is getting accomplished step by step by step.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Practices like meditation, doodling or walking can streamline brain activity and get you into a "state of flow," in which ideas bubble freely to the surface.

Huffington Post

To some extent, the game is designed to enable the players to be immersed in the game and achieve a state of flow (Csikszentmihalyi 1990).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

The high satisfaction ratings given by students also validates this view, as experiencing a state of flow in an activity also tends to increase satisfaction with that activity (Csikszentmihalyi 1990).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Initially, their brain states resemble a state of flow or complete absorption in the task.

University of California, Berkeley

"It became part of the work that it was always in a state of flux, always flowing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a state of flow" to describe periods of intense focus and productivity, especially when the individual feels energized and time seems to pass quickly. This phrase is suitable for describing creative work, problem-solving, or any activity that requires deep concentration.

Common error

Avoid using "in a state of flow" to simply describe being busy or occupied. True flow requires a balance between the challenge of the task and the skill of the individual. If the task is too easy, it leads to boredom; if it's too difficult, it causes anxiety. Use the phrase accurately to reflect genuine immersion and enjoyment in the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a state of flow" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the condition or manner in which an action is performed. It indicates a specific mental and emotional state characterized by deep immersion and focused attention. As Ludwig examples show, it describes a desirable experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a state of flow" is a common and correct English expression used to describe a mental state of deep immersion and focused attention, as validated by Ludwig. It's often associated with enhanced productivity and creativity. Examples from diverse sources, including news media, academic research, and business publications, demonstrate its broad applicability. When writing, it's important to use the phrase accurately, reflecting genuine immersion and enjoyment rather than simply indicating busyness. Alternatives such as "in the zone" or "completely absorbed" can provide similar meaning. Overall, understanding and cultivating this state can significantly improve performance and well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the zone

This alternative is a more concise and common idiom for describing a state of optimal performance and focus.

completely absorbed

This alternative highlights the feeling of being fully engrossed in an activity, losing track of time and surroundings.

deeply immersed

This alternative emphasizes the depth of engagement and the feeling of being surrounded by the activity.

fully engaged

This alternative focuses on the active participation and involvement in the task at hand.

in a groove

This alternative suggests a comfortable and productive rhythm in one's work or activity.

operating effortlessly

This alternative highlights the ease and smoothness of performance achieved in a state of flow.

at peak performance

This alternative emphasizes the high level of achievement and capability reached when in a state of flow.

one with the task

This alternative portrays a sense of unity and harmony between the person and the activity.

lost in the moment

This alternative focuses on the temporal distortion and heightened presence experienced in a state of flow.

inner harmony with the process

This alternative describes how the state of flow enables individuals to experience a higher sense of joy and accomplishment through their performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a state of flow" to describe someone who is completely absorbed in an activity and performing at their best. For example: "The musician was "in a state of flow" during the concert, effortlessly playing complex melodies."

What does it mean to be "in a state of flow"?

Being "in a state of flow" refers to a mental state where someone is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a sense of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process. Time seems to fly by, and the person is performing at their peak.

What can I say instead of "in a state of flow"?

You can use alternatives like "in the zone", "completely absorbed", or "deeply immersed" depending on the context.

What are some activities that can help me get "in a state of flow"?

Activities that provide a clear challenge matched to your skill level, such as playing a musical instrument, writing, coding, or engaging in sports, can help you achieve a state of flow. The key is to find activities that are both challenging and enjoyable.