Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hela]

Dear teachers,

What would you say and why?

Is / Are the US the biggest State (capitalized ?) in the world ?

Thank you for your help.
Hela

[CP]

1. The country is the United States of America, but it is singular in nature, so start with "Is the U.S. / U.S.A. . . . ."

2. Usually we say "country" rather than "state," although "state" can mean any number of political divisions. Especially when speaking of the United States, a country comprised of 50 states, I would avoid using "state" to mean "country," hence: "Is the U.S. the biggest country in the world?"

3. It would not be capitalized, whether you use "country" or "state" or "land mass" or whatever. It is not a proper noun, just a noun, so no capital.

4. No, it's not the biggest. China, for one, is bigger.
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[hela]

Thank you P.