"four states" vs "the four states"

Question

"four states" vs "the 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

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.

Alternatives:

four countries
four cities
four provinces
four regions
four territories

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

four states

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

Answer 2

the four states

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

"four states" vs "the four states"

four states

the four states

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