state
A state is the condition that someone or something is in at a specific time. It can also refer to a part of a country that has its own local government, such as the states in the USA.
Examples
3 of 5The house was in a very clean state when we arrived.
The house was in a very clean state when we arrived.
The governor will address the current state of the economy tomorrow.
The governor will address the current state of the economy tomorrow.
She was in a right state after she lost her phone.
She was in a right state after she lost her phone.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'statue'. A statue is still and stays in one 'state' forever.
Quick Quiz
The scientist explained that the water was in a liquid ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: state
Examples
The house was in a very clean state when we arrived.
everydayThe house was in a very clean state when we arrived.
The governor will address the current state of the economy tomorrow.
formalThe governor will address the current state of the economy tomorrow.
She was in a right state after she lost her phone.
informalShe was in a right state after she lost her phone.
Ice is water in a solid state.
academicIce is water in a solid state.
Our company needs to report the state of our finances to the board.
businessOur company needs to report the state of our finances to the board.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
state of the art
state of the art
in a state of shock
in a state of shock
church and state
church and state
Often Confused With
Status refers to social or professional rank, while state refers to a general condition or physical form.
A stage is a step in a process, whereas a state is the condition at a single moment.
Usage Notes
When referring to a condition, 'state' is often used with the preposition 'in' (e.g., 'in a bad state'). When referring to a political region, it is a countable noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'stage' when they mean 'state' to describe a condition. Also, don't forget to capitalize 'State' when it is part of a specific name like 'New York State'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'statue'. A statue is still and stays in one 'state' forever.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'status', meaning 'standing' or 'condition'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the United States, the 'State' refers to one of the 50 individual political entities that make up the country.
Quick Quiz
The scientist explained that the water was in a liquid ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: state
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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