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the four states vs four states

Both 'the four states' and 'four states' can be correct depending on the context in which they are used. 'The four states' is used when referring to a specific group of four states, while 'four states' is more general and can refer to any group of four states.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 655 views

the four states

This phrase is correct when referring to a specific group of four states.

Use 'the four states' when you are talking about a particular set of four states that are known or specified.

Examples:

  • The four states that make up the Pacific Northwest are Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.
  • I visited the four states of New England during my road trip.
  • can see the four states that border Springfield:
  • Calls on the four states that are not part of the NPT [Cuba, India, Israel and Pakistan] to sign and ratify this international treaty;
  • The United Kingdom, which together with the United States has an eighty per cent share of the international art market, is one of the four states which never incorporated this right into its legislation.
  • This should include the four states of the enlarged EU who have yet to ratify or accede to the treaty.

Alternatives:

  • the four countries
  • the four cities
  • the four provinces
  • the four regions
  • the four territories

four states

This phrase is correct when referring to any group of four states without specifying which ones.

Use 'four states' when you want to talk about a general group of four states without specifying which states are included.

Examples:

  • I need to visit four states to complete my travel goal.
  • The game involves selecting four states at random.
  • Wanted in four states and three countries for illegal human experimentation.
  • Cops say Ana is wanted in four states.
  • Already I understand four states, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Netherlands have given such an indication.
  • The United Kingdom, which together with the United States has an eighty per cent share of the international art market, is one of the four states which never incorporated this right into its legislation.
  • If it blows, Eureka could be scattered over four states.
  • A guy by the name of Chavez, has a record in four states.
  • can see the four states that border Springfield:
  • I could be wanted in four states.
  • The bombing of the electrical grid in New Hampshire disrupted power in four states.
  • The Treaty has now been signed by four states.
  • I'm worth $3,000 in four states.
  • So, unless you kill every Navajo living in four states, that information is available with a simple phone call.
  • 700,000 in my locals, scattered over four states.
  • No, I mean you love the fact that my mom is moving four states away.
  • By the end of the evening, one of these young people will be crowned the regional spelling bee champion, representing four states in the northeast.
  • This is a rapidly developing city on the boundary between old and new Europe, on the borders of four states: Poland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.
  • Look, you don't want Jax in a charter scatte across four states.
  • Calls on the four states that are not part of the NPT [Cuba, India, Israel and Pakistan] to sign and ratify this international treaty;
  • Dwight, how long does it take to drive a truckload of ostriches across four states?
  • you used a different name, so we faxed your picture to the airfields in four states.

Alternatives:

  • four countries
  • four cities
  • four provinces
  • four regions
  • four territories

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