What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
country
Example
I am from a small country in Europe called Belgium. [country: noun]
Example
The countryside is so peaceful and beautiful. [countryside: noun]
Example
She loves her country and is proud to be a citizen. [country: adjective]
state
Example
California is a state in the United States. [state: noun]
Example
His mental state has been improving since he started therapy. [state: noun]
Example
The company issued a statement regarding the recent controversy. [statement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Country is more commonly used than state in everyday language, especially when referring to a nation or rural areas. State is more commonly used in formal or official contexts, such as legal documents or government proceedings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between country and state?
State is generally considered more formal than country, due to its association with official documents and government proceedings. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
