states

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "states" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of expressing or declaring something, often in a formal context. Example: "The report clearly states the findings of the research conducted over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

They are seen as fetters on our freedom of action and finances, but doing little to moderate the behaviour of irresponsible states or to assist our wellbeing as a nation".

The Guardian

The ruling effectively enlisted Google into partnership with European states in striking a balance between individual privacy and public discourse interests.

The Guardian - Tech

The 2 million people from other EU states who live in Britain will be forced to have resident permits or identity cards if David Cameron is to fulfil his pledge to make rules on access to public services for new migrants the toughest in Europe.

The Guardian

A successful referendum requires a double majority – a national yes vote, and affirmation in the majority of the states.

The Guardian

States and territories will also lose access to reward payments for reducing waiting times under the national partnership agreement on improving public hospital services, saving the federal government $201m over three years.

The Guardian

Abbott said the federal government believed "the states should take more responsibility for their public hospitals and for their public schools and we make no apologies for wanting the states to be grown up, adult governments that take responsibility for the programs that are theirs, for the institutions that they run".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Anthony McIntyre, a former IRA life sentence prisoner and chief researcher on the Belfast project, defended the archive and blamed Boston College for failing to make clear to him and the interviewees that there was a legal treaty that allowed the British state to seize academic material from the United States.

The Guardian

Gay marriage is legal in many parts of the United States and the supreme court will soon rule on whether state-imposed bans are unconstitutional.

The Guardian

Such a development could pose a new threat to the isolated country's neighbours and the United States.

The Guardian

Kazakhstan, a country with a large Russian minority, has strong relations with Russia, China and the United States.

The Guardian

I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "states" to refer to administrative divisions within a country, especially in discussions about federal systems and regional governance.

Common error

Avoid using "states" as a verb when a different verb form is required. For example, instead of "He states the facts are wrong", use "He states that the facts are wrong."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "states" is as a plural noun, typically referring to multiple political entities or conditions. It can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to state.' Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "states" functions primarily as a plural noun referring to political entities or conditions, and occasionally as a verb. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical standing is correct, and it is a very commonly used term. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its register remains largely neutral, suitable for formal reporting and academic discussions. Related phrases include "nations", "countries", and "conditions", offering versatile alternatives. When writing, ensure clarity by differentiating between its noun and verb forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nations

Refers to sovereign political entities, similar to "states" in a geopolitical context.

countries

Synonymous with "states" when referring to independent political entities.

territories

Implies regions under the jurisdiction of a governing body, akin to "states" but may lack full sovereignty.

provinces

Denotes administrative divisions within a country, similar to "states" in a federal system.

conditions

Refers to the circumstances or situations, similar to "states" when describing a specific condition.

circumstances

Similar to "conditions", indicating a set of facts or events.

situations

Describes a set of circumstances, comparable to "states" when outlining a scenario.

declares

Indicates a formal statement or announcement, related to "states" in the context of asserting something.

asserts

Implies a confident and forceful statement, similar to "states" when expressing a firm opinion.

maintains

Suggests a consistent declaration or affirmation, related to "states" in the sense of upholding a position.

FAQs

How can I use "states" in a sentence?

"States" can refer to countries (e.g., "member states of the EU") or administrative divisions within a country (e.g., "the states of the US"). It can also be the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "to state" (e.g., "he states his opinion").

What are some synonyms for "states" when referring to countries?

When referring to countries, synonyms for "states" include "nations", "countries", and "sovereign entities".

Is it correct to use "states" to describe conditions?

Yes, "states" can describe conditions or situations, such as "states of emergency" or "states of matter". In this context, alternatives include "conditions" and "circumstances".

When should I use "states" versus "state"?

"States" is the plural form, used when referring to multiple entities or conditions. "State" is singular, used for a single entity or the act of stating. For example, "The United States" (singular) versus "member states" (plural).