state of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the condition of something or someone, especially with regards to the government, economy, or politics. For example, "The current state of the economy is weak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

state of mind".

The New Yorker

Tripura, state of India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Assam, state of India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mizoram, state of India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

State of Fear.

The Economist

This state of grace.

The New York Times

The State of N.Y.

The New Yorker

state of affairs.

The New York Times

The state of Hawaii".

The New York Times

"A State of Mind".

The New Yorker

A state of purpose?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state of" to describe a complex situation, provide specific details to clarify the condition you are referencing. For example, instead of saying "the state of the project is concerning", specify "the state of the project is concerning due to budget overruns and missed deadlines".

Common error

Avoid using "state of" without providing context. Saying "the state of things" is vague. Instead, clarify what 'things' you are referring to such as "the state of international relations" or "the state of the company's finances".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe the condition, situation, or status of a noun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "state of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to describe the condition or situation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. It's frequently seen in news, encyclopedias, and formal contexts, indicating its neutrality. When using "state of", ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness. Common alternatives include "condition of" and "status of". Consider the examples provided by Ludwig to understand the phrase's versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condition of

Replaces "state" with "condition", emphasizing the circumstances or situation.

situation of

Substitutes "state" with "situation", focusing on the set of circumstances.

status of

Uses "status" instead of "state", highlighting the current standing or position.

in a state of

Adds "in a" to emphasize being within a particular condition or situation.

the nature of

Focuses on the fundamental characteristics or inherent qualities of something.

the position of

Highlights the placement or arrangement of something.

the phase of

Emphasizes a particular stage in a process or cycle.

the aspect of

Focuses on a specific part or feature of something.

the mode of

Highlights the manner or way in which something exists or operates.

the form of

Emphasizes the shape or structure of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "state of" is used to describe the condition or situation of something. For instance, "The "state of the economy" is uncertain" or "The "state of emergency" has been declared".

What are some alternatives to "state of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "condition of", "situation of", or "status of". For example, instead of "the "state of affairs"", you could say "the condition of affairs".

Is it correct to say "the state of the art" or "state of art"?

The correct phrase is "state of the art", which refers to the most advanced stage of development of a technology or artistic field.

What is the difference between "state of emergency" and "state of exception"?

"State of emergency" is a situation where a government can invoke special powers to handle a crisis. "State of exception" is a similar concept, often used in political theory, to describe a situation where the rule of law is suspended.