state of emergency

USAGE SUMMARY

"state of emergency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which a government authorizes extraordinary measures to address a crisis. For example, "The governor declared a state of emergency following the devastating hurricane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There emerges an inapproachable exclusivity in this state of emergency.

BioSocieties

Jacques Chirac declared a state of emergency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The state of emergency was officially ended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Today there is a state of emergency.

Independent

Gambia has declared a state of emergency.

The Economist

The government declared a state of emergency.

The Economist

The state of emergency hadn't ended.

The New York Times

State of Emergency: The Way We Were.

The Economist

A national state of emergency was declared.

Independent

A state of emergency has been declared.

The Economist

A state of emergency was imposed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "state of emergency", clearly specify the geographical area and the reason for the declaration. For example, instead of just saying "A state of emergency was declared", specify "A state of emergency was declared in Florida due to the approaching hurricane".

Common error

Avoid using "state of emergency" repeatedly without providing context or specific details. Vary your language and describe the actual conditions or consequences of the emergency to keep the writing engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of emergency" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific legal and political condition where a government invokes special powers. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of emergency" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a specific situation where a government declares extraordinary measures to manage a crisis. Grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, this phrase is essential for communicating urgency and the need for immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across reliable sources. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the location and reason behind the "state of emergency". While alternatives such as "crisis situation" or "national emergency" exist, understanding the specific implications of "state of emergency" is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

national emergency

Highlights the nationwide impact, specifying the nation involved.

emergency situation

A more general term for any urgent and dangerous event.

public emergency

Emphasizes the impact on the general public.

crisis situation

Focuses on the critical nature of the event, omitting the governmental aspect.

national crisis

Highlights the nationwide impact, unlike emergencies localized to a region.

urgent situation

Focuses on the immediate need for action.

period of emergency

Emphasizes duration, focusing on a time frame of crisis.

critical incident

Emphasizes a specific event triggering the emergency.

time of crisis

Refers to the period when severe difficulties are experienced.

time of upheaval

Highlights the chaotic and disruptive nature of the situation.

FAQs

How is a "state of emergency" typically declared?

A "state of emergency" is typically declared by a government executive, such as a president or governor, often requiring legislative approval depending on the jurisdiction. The declaration outlines the reasons for the emergency and the powers invoked to address it.

What powers does a government gain during a "state of emergency"?

During a "state of emergency", a government may gain powers to suspend certain laws, impose curfews, control resources, and mobilize forces to address the emergency. These powers are usually temporary and subject to legal constraints.

What are some alternatives to "state of emergency"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "crisis situation", "emergency situation", or "national emergency".

How does a "state of emergency" differ from a "state of disaster"?

While both terms indicate a serious situation, a "state of emergency" often implies a broader threat, such as civil unrest or political instability, whereas a "state of disaster" typically refers to natural or accidental events causing widespread damage and disruption.