in state of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in state of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct expression is "in a state of." Example: "The project is currently in a state of disarray due to unforeseen circumstances."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Brown urges frugality in State of the State speech.

Los Angeles Times

We are all in state of alert.

The Guardian

He rowed the entire race in state of unconsciousness.

The New Yorker

— the ship has been all day in state of anarchy".

The Guardian

So is the circa 1970 art in "State of Mind".

The New York Times - Arts

A photograph of the scene appears in "State of Mind".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"They're in state-of-the art confinement facilities.

The New York Times - Books

Motorola, for instance, has invested more than $1.5 billion in state-of-the-art facilities.

The New York Times - Books

Biological weapons require skilled scientists working in state-of-the-art facilities.

The Economist

Their expertise includes current methods in state-of-the-art technologies.

Science Magazine

Another factor in IMRE's growth is its willingness to invest in state-of-the-art technologies.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "in a state of" instead of "in state of" for grammatical correctness. This ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations in formal writing.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the article 'a' before 'state'. Always include 'a' ("in a state of") to adhere to standard English grammar and avoid sounding ungrammatical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in state of" is intended to function as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by describing a condition or situation. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically incorrect, as the correct form is "in a state of".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in state of" is frequently used but grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "in a state of", which should be used to accurately describe a condition or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase doesn't adhere to standard English grammar. Despite its common occurrence in various sources, including News & Media and Science, it's advisable to use "in a state of" to maintain grammatical accuracy, especially in formal writing. Alternatives like "in a condition of" or "experiencing" can also be used depending on the specific context. Always remember to include the article 'a' to avoid sounding ungrammatical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a condition of

Emphasizes the specific condition someone or something is experiencing, offering a slightly more formal tone.

in a situation of

Focuses on the circumstances or scenario, providing a broader context than just the state.

under the condition of

Implies a prerequisite or requirement that must be met, adding a layer of contingency.

experiencing a condition of

Highlights the active experience of the state, often used for emotional or physical states.

existing in a condition of

Stresses the ongoing existence within that state, suitable for more permanent situations.

in circumstances of

Broader than a simple state, referring to the totality of the situation.

within a condition of

Suggests confinement or restriction within the specified state.

during a condition of

Highlights that the state is temporary and time-bound.

subject to a condition of

Implies that the state is imposed or influenced by an external factor.

undergoing a state of

Similar to experiencing, this emphasizes the process of transitioning or enduring a particular state.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "in state of"?

The grammatically correct way to express this phrase is "in a state of". For example, instead of "He was in state of shock", say "He was in "in a state of" shock".

Are there alternatives to "in a state of"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "experiencing", "undergoing", or "in a condition of". For example, instead of "They are in a state of confusion", you could say "They are "experiencing confusion"".

Is "in state of" ever acceptable?

While "in state of" is sometimes used, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's best to always use "in "in a state of"" to ensure clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between "in state of" and "in a state of"?

"In state of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "in a state of", which means being in a particular condition or situation. Therefore, always include the article "a".