in what state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in what state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the condition, situation, or location of something or someone. Example: "In what state did you find the old car when you bought it?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But in what state?

The Economist

In what state are the younger of the population?

The New Yorker

In what state(s) will the worker live and work?

Harvard University

You can imagine in what state I'm waiting.

The New York Times - Magazine

What is happening to our men and women in Afghanistan, and in what state will they come back?

The New Yorker

The gallery employees can never tell in what state they are going to encounter the sculptures when they step out into the main room.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Sunday how many -- if any -- winning tickets were sold and in what states.

The New York Times

–Where did the candidate grow up, and in what states did this candidate live in before seeking this office?

The New York Times

And so lawyers, ever practical, want to know: In what states will these employees pay their taxes?

MIT Technology Review

But federal health officials called the $1 billion a giant leap forward, saying it was roughly a twentyfold increase in what states had received in previous years.

The New York Times

Neither the Republican party nor the Trump campaign would discuss the specifics of the work Sproul or the firm is doing and in what states.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in what state", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical condition, emotional state, or political entity. Clarify the subject to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in what state" when the intended meaning is unclear. The word "state" can refer to a condition, a political entity, or a phase of matter. Use more specific wording to eliminate possible misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in what state" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase, used to inquire about the condition, situation, or status of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and can be used across various contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its application in diverse situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in what state" is a versatile and grammatically sound interrogative phrase used to inquire about conditions, situations, or statuses. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity by specifying the subject of inquiry is a best practice. Alternatives like "under what circumstances" or "in which condition" can be used for nuanced expressions, but it's important to remember that "in what state" is appropriate for many scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in which condition

Highlights the physical or functional status of something.

what is the condition

Directly asks about the current form or shape of something.

under what circumstances

Focuses on the conditions or situations surrounding an event or situation.

in what form

Emphasizes the particular structure or appearance.

in what shape

Refers to the physical form or arrangement of something.

what is the status

Directly seeks information about the official or recognized position.

what situation prevails

Emphasizes the current circumstances or environment.

how does it stand

Inquires about the current standing or status of a matter.

to what extent

Explores the degree or scope of a condition or situation.

under what terms

Focuses on the specific conditions or provisions governing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in what state" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "under what circumstances", "in which condition", or "to what extent", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "in what state" and "in what condition"?

While both phrases are similar, "in what state" can refer to a broader range of situations, including emotional or political contexts. "in what condition" typically implies a physical or functional status.

Is it correct to use "in what state" when asking about someone's emotional well-being?

Yes, it is acceptable. You can ask, "In what state of mind are you?" or "In what emotional state did you find yourself?". However, phrases like "how are you feeling?" might be more common in everyday conversation.

Can "in what state" refer to a phase of matter, like solid, liquid, or gas?

Yes, "in what state" can refer to the phase of matter. For example, "Further analysis of LCROSS will show in what state the water exists and what other useful minerals are found at the impact site."