states: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1 (noun), B1 (verb)All registers, from formal to informal.
Quick answer
What does “states” mean?
The plural noun 'states' primarily refers to the political divisions of a federal nation, most notably the 50 states of the United States of America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural noun 'states' primarily refers to the political divisions of a federal nation, most notably the 50 states of the United States of America.
As the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to state', it means to express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing. Also refers to a particular condition of something or someone (e.g., emotional states, states of matter).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'the States' is a common informal term for the USA. In American English, 'states' (lowercase) is used domestically to refer to its own constituent parts. The verb usage is identical.
Connotations
In UK context, 'States' often carries an external, slightly informal reference to the USA. In US context, 'states' connotes domestic polity and identity.
Frequency
The noun referring to US subdivisions is vastly more frequent in American English. The term 'the States' is frequent in British informal reference to the USA.
Grammar
How to Use “states” in a Sentence
NP state (that) CLAUSENP state NPNP state NP to be ADJAs NP state, ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “states” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The report clearly states the objectives.
- The terms and conditions state your rights.
- As the manual states, do not immerse in water.
American English
- The contract states all deadlines.
- The law states you must be 21.
- The witness states she saw the car.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to financial or operational conditions (e.g., 'The company states its earnings').
Academic
Used to formally present a hypothesis, argument, or finding (e.g., 'The paper states three main conclusions').
Everyday
Common for referring to the USA or for saying what someone said (e.g., 'He states he'll be late').
Technical
In computing, refers to the status of a system or process; in physics, refers to states of matter.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “states”
- Using 'states' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a states').
- Confusing 'states' (countries) with 'estates' (property).
- Incorrect: 'He states to go.' Correct: 'He states that he will go.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only when it's part of a proper noun (e.g., the United States, the States of Jersey) or informally for the USA ('the States'). When referring generically to political subdivisions, it's lowercase.
'States' is more formal and authoritative, often used in writing, legal, and official contexts. 'Says' is the neutral, everyday word for reporting speech.
Yes, in political science and formal contexts, 'states' can be synonymous with 'countries' or 'nation-states' (e.g., 'member states of the UN').
No, inanimate subjects like 'document', 'law', 'report', 'sign' can also 'state' something, meaning they contain a formal declaration.
The plural noun 'states' primarily refers to the political divisions of a federal nation, most notably the 50 states of the United States of America.
States is usually all registers, from formal to informal. in register.
States: in British English it is pronounced /steɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /steɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “State of the Union”
- “the States”
- “state of affairs”
- “state of play”
- “state of mind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The UNITED STATES are UNITED, but they are also individual STATES. To STATE something is to put it in a clear 'state' or condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION IS A BODY (POLITICAL), with states as its parts/organs. LANGUAGE/IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS that can be stated (put forth).
Practice
Quiz
In British informal speech, 'the States' most commonly refers to: