in an ideal state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in an ideal state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is perfect or optimal, often in contrast to the current reality. Example: "In an ideal state, everyone would have access to quality education and healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

"But at this moment, I don't think we're in an ideal state".

Forbes

However, these results are obtained in an ideal state of simulation; indeed, packet loss may occur in a real environment.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Some suffering of human beings and some evil in the world are unavoidable, due to our finite nature, and therefore cannot be excluded even in an ideal state with optimal arrangements.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

For example, Werner Jaeger argued that books VII VIII contain a youthful utopianism, motivating Aristotle to emulate his teacher Plato in erecting "an ideal state by logical construction".

SEP

Republic, a masterpiece of philosophical and political thought, concerns righteousness both in individuals and in communities, and proposes an ideal state organized and governed on philosophical principles.

Harvard University

Socrates and ancient ethicists understood that caring for ourselves is to exhibit an attitude not only toward ourselves but also toward others and the world, attend to our own thoughts and attitudes in self-reflection and meditation, and engage in ascetic practices aimed at realizing an ideal state of being.

HuffPost

In other words, he thought that an ideal state would allow democratic workers' collectives to own the means of production.

SEP

To take seriously the awareness of a categorical imperative to act rightly is to commit oneself to work for an ideal state of affairs in which perfect goodness and happiness coincide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in an ideal state" to clearly contrast a hypothetical perfect situation with the current reality, especially when discussing improvements or goals.

Common error

Avoid confusing "ideal", which describes a perfect condition, with "idol", which refers to an object of worship. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an ideal state" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the conditions under which an action or situation would be perfect or optimal. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in an ideal state" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to depict scenarios operating at their peak functionality. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is relatively uncommon. Predominantly found in scientific, news and encyclopedic contexts, it paints a picture of optimal conditions, often contrasting with present realities. When writing, be mindful not to confuse "ideal" with homophones like "idol". Consider similar phrases like "under perfect circumstances" or "in a perfect world" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under perfect circumstances

Emphasizes external conditions being optimal, rather than the state itself.

in a perfect world

Highlights the hypothetical and often unrealistic nature of the ideal.

in the best-case scenario

Focuses on the most favorable outcome among possible scenarios.

optimally

A single-word adverb that directly expresses the concept of ideal conditions.

under optimum conditions

Emphasizes the external factors and requirements for achieving the ideal.

ideally

An adverb that describes how things would be in a perfect situation.

in a utopian setting

Implies a perfect but potentially unattainable society or environment.

at its finest

Highlights the peak or most excellent version of something.

at its best

Implies something performing at its highest capability.

under the most favorable circumstances

Describes a specific set of conditions that lead to a positive outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "in an ideal state" to describe a situation that represents a perfect or optimal condition. For example, "In an ideal state, healthcare would be accessible to everyone."

What phrases are similar to "in an ideal state"?

Similar phrases include "under perfect circumstances", "in a perfect world", or "under optimum conditions", all of which imply a condition of perfection or near-perfection.

Is it correct to say "in a ideal state" instead of "in an ideal state"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is "in an ideal state." The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "in an ideal state" and "in an ideal world"?

"In an ideal state" generally refers to a specific system or condition operating perfectly, while "in an ideal world" often refers to a more general, utopian scenario encompassing many aspects of life.