state of delusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of delusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition where someone is not perceiving reality accurately or is living in a false belief. Example: "After years of denial about his addiction, he finally recognized that he was living in a state of delusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Chris Kniel, Orinda, Calif.: "State of Delusion" is one of your best — very well said.

The New York Times

A good screenwriter and a good director would manage to find the context to create empathy for a character in such a state of delusion.

The New Yorker

Whether in a state of delusion or merely seeking an escape hatch, Schoenberg wanted to compose pitches and rhythms for the actors' lines and demanded final editing rights.

The New York Times

"If in the end no one invented our national game, and its innocent Eden is a continuing state of delusion," Thorn writes, "he, as unwittingly as Abner Doubleday invented baseball, invented its religion and its shrine".

The New York Times

In mid-April Laurents finished his play "The Last Time We Saw Paris," about a group of old friends "who live in a kind of self-imposed state of delusion because it's easier than coping with real life," Mr. Lomma said.

The New York Times

Croskery described the "Sheep" as being in a "state of delusion created by a misleading cultural identity", a false consciousness.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This state of happy delusion endured as long as hotel co-owner Desmond's first sentence.

The Guardian - Travel

It seems hard to believe even now, but all the stories indicate that the whole GOP went into last Tuesday in a state of complete delusion.

The New York Times

I find that sipping a cocktail made with fresh juice puts me in an advanced state of comforting delusion that we might refer to as "Screwdriver Syndrome".

The New York Times

This whole farrago points to something else: Absolute Radio 60s is in a state of deep delusion if it thinks it's creating the "cool sound of the 60s".

The Guardian - Music

McNamee was "destitute and desperate" and in a "state of pharmaceutical delusion and dependence" when he was said to have injected Clemens with drugs, and kept the "so-called physical evidence," the defense said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clarifies whether the "state of delusion" is self-imposed, induced by external factors, or a symptom of a medical condition.

Common error

Avoid using "state of delusion" to describe situations where someone is merely mistaken or misinformed. Delusion implies a fixed, false belief that is resistant to reason or evidence, a more profound departure from reality than a simple error in judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of delusion" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a condition or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of delusion" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a mental condition marked by distorted perceptions of reality. Ludwig AI provides multiple real-world examples of the phrase being employed in diverse contexts, with a predominant presence in news and media sources. While the phrase is generally considered neutral in register, it's important to differentiate it from simple errors or misinformation, as it implies a deeper detachment from reality. Alternative phrases such as "condition of illusion" or "false state of mind" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delusional mindset

Highlights the overall thought pattern characterized by delusions.

condition of illusion

Replaces 'delusion' with 'illusion', emphasizing a false perception or belief.

distorted reality

Emphasizes the changed or warped perception of reality.

state of deception

Focuses on the deceptive aspect, suggesting a manipulated or false reality.

condition of unreality

Highlights the detachment from what is real, rather than a specific false belief.

false state of mind

Emphasizes the distorted mental state rather than the specific content of the delusion.

misguided perception

Focuses on the incorrect or distorted way something is perceived.

false consciousness

Highlights a state of unawareness or misunderstanding of one's true situation or condition, particularly in a social or political context.

fantasy world

Suggests an escape into a completely fabricated reality.

living a lie

Implies an active choice or acceptance of a false reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "state of delusion" to describe someone who is not perceiving reality accurately. For example: "After years of denial about his addiction, he finally recognized that he was living in a "state of delusion".

What's the difference between "state of delusion" and "state of denial"?

"State of delusion" refers to a more profound distortion of reality, often involving fixed, false beliefs. "State of denial" typically involves refusing to acknowledge an unpleasant truth or reality, but not necessarily creating a new, false reality.

What are some alternative phrases for "state of delusion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "condition of illusion", "state of deception", or "false state of mind".

Is "state of delusion" a formal or informal expression?

"State of delusion" is a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more technical or clinical language may be preferred in medical or psychological settings.