What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
province
Example
Quebec is a province in Canada. [province: noun]
Example
The province of Sichuan in China is known for its spicy cuisine. [province: noun]
Example
She is an expert in the province of criminal law. [province: noun]
state
Example
California is a state in the United States. [state: noun]
Example
The state of the economy is concerning. [state: noun]
Example
The company issued a statement about the state of their finances. [state: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
State is more commonly used than province in everyday language, especially in the United States. However, province is still widely used in Canada and some other countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between province and state?
Both province and state can be used in formal and informal contexts, but state may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with official statements and declarations.
