in their present state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their present state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something as it currently exists or is functioning, often implying that it may change in the future. Example: "The project is not ready for launch in their present state, as there are still several issues to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I said I could not witness their marriage in their present state".

The New York Times - Style

But comfort is not to be administered to them, in their present state, as anything they have now any title to, while out of Christ.

The New Yorker

Even in their present state, the international standards are more rigorous than many domestic ones, and therefore unpopular with local firms.

The Economist

In their present state, said the committee in April, such models should not be used for allocating capital though it holds out the hope that they will be used in the future.In the meantime, it proposes two alternative approaches.

The Economist

Research in fields of supersonic flight is, obviously, of great importance and should continue, but my personal conclusion is that the regular operation of SSTs in their present state of development will be disadvantageous both to aviation and to the peoples of the world.

The New York Times

In their present state, these materials cause risks to human health and strong environmental impacts and therefore demand remedial action.

Waste Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The water samples around the BCM were collected from different locations and analyzed them in laboratory for understanding their present state and future suitability.

Applied Water Science

Bloomfield thought that semantics, or the study of meaning, was the weak point in the scientific investigation of language and would necessarily remain so until the other sciences whose task it was to describe the universe and humanity's place in it had advanced beyond their present state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recall bias: With direct measures of change, patients have to recall a specified prior state and compare it with their present state in order to come up with a transition rating.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

For instance, advanced actions in electrodynamics require that the existence of transmitters in the future are centered on organized incoming wave fronts; and advanced actions in quantum mechanics require that their present states are in part determined by the future conditions (measurements) they are to encounter.

SEP

The Buddhist parties fear they would lose half their seats if they had to fight an election in their present fractured state.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in their present state", ensure that the context clearly indicates the possibility or need for future change or improvement. It's often used to highlight current limitations or imperfections.

Common error

Avoid using "in their present state" when describing something intended to remain unchanged. The phrase implies a temporary condition or potential for alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their present state" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the condition or situation under which something exists or occurs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and appears in various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

50%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in their present state" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across varied contexts, from scientific literature to news articles. The phrase primarily serves to describe the current condition of something, often with the understanding that this condition may change. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it implies a sense of temporality or imperfection. Consider alternatives like "as they currently are" or "in their current condition" for similar meanings. Best practice involves ensuring the context suggests potential for change, avoiding its use for static or permanent conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they currently are

Focuses on the current form or condition of the subject.

in their current condition

Emphasizes the physical or operational state at the moment.

in their existing form

Highlights the structure or format as it now exists.

as things stand

Indicates the situation or circumstances at the present time.

in the current circumstances

Focuses on the broader context influencing the situation.

under the present conditions

Similar to 'in the current circumstances' but slightly more formal.

at this juncture

Offers a more formal way to describe the current stage or point in time.

in the situation as it is

Provides a descriptive explanation of the current state.

in its present incarnation

Suggests that the subject may have existed in other forms previously.

given the current reality

Emphasizes the factual and immediate state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "in their present state" in a sentence?

You can use "in their present state" to describe something as it currently exists, often implying a possibility or need for change. For example, "The software is not ready for release "in their present state" because it still has several bugs".

What are some alternatives to "in their present state"?

Alternatives include "as they currently are", "in their current condition", or "as things stand", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in it's present state" instead of "in their present state"?

No, "in it's present state" is grammatically incorrect. "Its" (without an apostrophe) is the possessive form of "it", while "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has". Use "in its present state" to refer to a singular, non-personal entity or "in their present state" for plural entities.

What's the difference between "in its present state" and "in their present state"?

"In its present state" refers to a singular entity, while "in their present state" refers to a plural entity. For example, "The building "in its present state" is structurally unsound," versus "The documents "in their present state" require extensive revisions".