unitary state

USAGE SUMMARY

"unitary state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when referring to a country or form of government that is administered as a single unit. For example, "The United Kingdom is an example of a unitary state, as all its power is centralized in London."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Ocalan himself says he now favours a unitary state.

The Economist

Prior to 1970 Belgium was a unitary state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They see Britain as a unitary state when it never has been.

The Guardian

The Egyptian and Pakistan members of the Council favor a unitary state.

The New Yorker

The Egyptian and Pakistani members of the Council favor a unitary state.

The New Yorker

The French, less sure of themselves, wanted a unitary state and community of feeling.

The New York Times - Books

Poroshenko promptly declared that Ukraine will "always be a unitary state" and will never be federalised.

The Guardian

The days of Iraq as a unitary state may also be over.

Independent

The growing economic disparity between the two regions intensified dissatisfaction with the unitary state system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Syria achieved independence, they took power and endeavoured to forge a unitary state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea of the Republic absorbing Northern Ireland in a unitary state seems economically far fetched.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political systems, use "unitary state" to clearly differentiate from federal or confederal systems, especially when outlining the distribution of power.

Common error

Avoid using "unitary state" interchangeably with "federal state". A unitary state concentrates power centrally, while a federal state divides power between a central authority and regional entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unitary state" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of political organization where the central government holds primary authority. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unitary state" accurately describes a country where the central government holds the primary authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It's crucial to distinguish this from federal systems where power is shared with regional entities. As shown by the examples, the phrase appears frequently in contexts like news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions. When writing, remember to clarify the concept in contrast to federal or confederal systems, and avoid interchanging the terms. The related phrases offer alternative ways to refer to countries with this type of governance structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

centralized state

Emphasizes the concentration of power in a single, central authority.

single state

Highlights the unified nature of the state without emphasizing governance.

unified state

Similar to "single state", but more explicitly denotes a joining or merging of previously separate entities.

nation-state

Implies a state where the vast majority shares the same culture and is conscious of it.

indivisible state

Stresses the impossibility of dividing or separating the state.

integrated state

Focuses on the cohesiveness and interconnectedness of the state's components.

homogeneous state

Indicates a state with a high degree of similarity among its population and regions.

one-state system

Highlights the lack of regional autonomy and devolved powers.

central government

Specifically refers to the central governing body of a state.

national government

Focuses on the government acting on behalf of the entire nation.

FAQs

How does a "unitary state" differ from a federal state?

A "unitary state" concentrates power in the central government, whereas a federal state divides power between the central government and regional authorities.

What are some examples of countries that are "unitary states"?

Examples of "unitary states" include France, the United Kingdom, and China.

What are the advantages of a "unitary state"?

A "unitary state" can promote national unity and streamline policy implementation due to its centralized authority. This can be contrasted with "federal states", which may encounter challenges in coordinating policies across different regions.

What are the potential disadvantages of a "unitary state"?

A "unitary state" may be less responsive to the diverse needs of different regions, as decision-making is concentrated at the center. This can lead to dissatisfaction and calls for decentralization or regional autonomy.