state of affairs

USAGE SUMMARY

“state of affairs” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular set of circumstances. For example: “The current state of affairs in the country is troubling.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

state of affairs.

The New York Times

What a sad state of affairs!

The New York Times

A completely sad state of affairs.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an unsustainable state of affairs.

The New Yorker

It's a strange state of affairs.

The Economist

This is a desperate state of affairs".

BBC

"That is the correct state of affairs.

The New Yorker

This is a temporary state of affairs.

Independent

This state of affairs helped trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is a sorry state of affairs.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our review of the state-of-affairs of GM crops in Europe raises several fundamental issues.

EMBO Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of affairs" when you want to describe a situation in a relatively formal or objective manner. It's suitable for both writing and speech.

Common error

While "state of affairs" is widely applicable, consider more casual alternatives like "the way things are" or "what's going on" in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of affairs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific set of circumstances or a situation at a particular time. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function is standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of affairs" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a particular situation or set of circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of contexts, although primarily found in news, academic, and scientific writing. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "current situation" or "the way things are". While highly versatile, remember that "state of affairs" is typically reserved for scenarios requiring a degree of formality. The numerous examples from Ludwig demonstrate its consistent usage across reputable sources, solidifying its place in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current situation

Replaces "affairs" with "situation", focusing on the present circumstances.

prevailing conditions

Emphasizes the conditions that are currently dominant or widespread.

existing circumstances

Highlights the circumstances that currently exist.

the way things are

A more informal way to describe the current situation.

how things stand

Similar to "the way things are", but slightly more formal.

present climate

Conveys the overall atmosphere or environment of a situation.

the picture

Implies the overall understanding or view of a situation.

lay of the land

An idiomatic expression referring to the current arrangement or situation.

the reality

Focuses on the factual nature of the situation.

what's happening

A general way to describe current events or circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "state of affairs" to describe a particular situation or set of circumstances. For example, "The current "state of affairs" in the economy is concerning".

What are some alternatives to "state of affairs"?

Alternatives include "current situation", "prevailing conditions", or "the way things are" depending on the context.

Is "state of affairs" formal or informal?

"State of affairs" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional writing and discussions. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

Which is correct: "state of affair" or "state of affairs"?

"State of affairs" is the correct and accepted form. "State of affair" is grammatically incorrect.