state of grace

USAGE SUMMARY

"state of grace" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally refers to a period of acceptance, mercy, or favor from an authority figure. You could use it in a sentence such as, "Karen enjoyed a state of grace from her boss after apologizing for the mistake she had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This state of grace.

The New York Times

Want to extend this state of grace?

The New York Times - Food

But not everybody is in a state of grace.

The New Yorker

We got into that state of grace rowers call swing.

The New York Times - Books

It was hardly a state of grace, however.

The New York Times - Sports

"The State of Grace" was Brodkey's first published story.

The New Yorker

Boston, he said, "is the perfect state of grace".

The New York Times

In Confucian China, this was the ultimate state of grace.

The New Yorker

But Yvette was in a state of grace.

The Guardian - Books

Anna Nicole did not end in a state of grace.

The Guardian - Music

Father Judge didn't achieve his state of grace without struggle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a person experiencing a significant positive change or achievement, consider using "state of grace" to emphasize the elevated nature of their condition.

Common error

Avoid using "state of grace" casually. It carries a weight of meaning related to spiritual, artistic, or exceptional circumstances, and using it in mundane situations can sound odd or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of grace" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a condition or period characterized by exceptional favor, blessing, or skill, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Books

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of grace" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a condition of exceptional favor, blessing, or excellence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media, Books, and Sports contexts, and has a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations that genuinely merit the connotation of divine favor or extraordinary achievement. Remember to explore related phrases like "divine favor" or "blessed condition" for alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divine favor

Focuses on the religious connotation of receiving blessings.

a blessed condition

Highlights the fortunate and enviable nature of the situation.

a period of acceptance

Highlights the aspect of being well-received or approved.

a time of good fortune

Focuses on the luck and positive circumstances.

a season of mercy

Highlights the compassionate and forgiving aspect.

a moment of bliss

Emphasizes the feeling of extreme happiness and peace.

a phase of tranquility

Emphasizes the peace and calm experienced.

a golden era

Refers to a time of prosperity and success.

a harmonious existence

Suggests a balanced and peaceful way of living.

perfect harmony

Expresses a state of ideal agreement and balance.

FAQs

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

You can use "state of grace" to describe a period of divine favor, exceptional performance, or blissful existence. For example: "The athlete performed in a "state of grace", breaking records effortlessly."

What are some alternatives to saying "state of grace"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "divine favor", "blessed condition", or "perfect harmony".

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

"State of grace" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in literature, arts, and discussions about spirituality or exceptional achievements.

What's the difference between "state of grace" and "state of happiness"?

"State of grace" implies a condition of divine favor or exceptional blessing, often with a spiritual or artistic connotation. "State of happiness"/s/state+of+happiness, on the other hand, simply refers to a feeling of joy or contentment.