Be in/get into a state
phrase
To become upset, worried, or angry to an extreme degree.
She got into a state when she couldn't find her keys.
Often appears as...
- get into a state over something
- be in a state about something
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To be in a particular, often undesirable, condition or position.
The house was in a terrible state after the party.
Often appears as...
- be in a state of disarray
- be in a state of decay
phrase
To enter a particular state or condition.
He got into a state of panic when he realized he lost his wallet.
Often appears as...
- get into a state of readiness
- get into a state of fear
phrase
To become upset, worried, or angry to an extreme degree.
She got into a state when she couldn't find her keys.
Often appears as...
- get into a state over something
- be in a state about something
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To be in a particular, often undesirable, condition or position.
The house was in a terrible state after the party.
Often appears as...
- be in a state of disarray
- be in a state of decay
phrase
To enter a particular state or condition.
He got into a state of panic when he realized he lost his wallet.
Often appears as...
- get into a state of readiness
- get into a state of fear
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase often implies someone is overly emotional, beyond what is considered reasonable.
He's in such a state over the traffic jam—it's just a small delay.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'in a state' can dilute its impact, use it when emotions are genuinely high.
She only gets into a state over really important exams, not just any test.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
Common in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing or speaking.
I wouldn't say I was 'in a state' during a job interview, but to a friend, sure.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase often implies someone is overly emotional, beyond what is considered reasonable.
He's in such a state over the traffic jam—it's just a small delay.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'in a state' can dilute its impact, use it when emotions are genuinely high.
She only gets into a state over really important exams, not just any test.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
Common in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing or speaking.
I wouldn't say I was 'in a state' during a job interview, but to a friend, sure.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase often implies someone is overly emotional, beyond what is considered reasonable.
He's in such a state over the traffic jam—it's just a small delay.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Overuse
Overusing 'in a state' can dilute its impact, use it when emotions are genuinely high.
She only gets into a state over really important exams, not just any test.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
Common in casual conversation, less appropriate in formal writing or speaking.
I wouldn't say I was 'in a state' during a job interview, but to a friend, sure.
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