A. State
= the emotional, mental or physical condition that someone or something is in at a particular time
- Frankly, I wouldn't trust his emotional state right now.
- Water exists in three states: liquid, gaseous and solid.
- After the accident, the driver was in a state of shock.
- "You are in no fit state to go out yet," the doctor said.
- After the hurricane, the president declared the city in state of emergency.
B. Situation
= a combination of all the things that are happening and all the conditions that exist at a particular time, in a particular place - a situation comprises many conditions
- In the present situation, I wouldn't advise you to sell your house.
- By asking me to lie, you're putting me in a very awkward situation.
- I'd better talk to the boss and explain the situation.
- In view of the company's financial situation, there will be salary cuts this year.
- With no rain for three months and food supplies running out, the situation is getting desperate.
C. Condition
= the state that something is in / the state of somebody's health / the situation of a group
- What sort of condition is your new house in?
- The garden was in a condition of total neglect.
- Although it's very old, the car is in excellent condition.
- The doctor described the Prime Minister's condition as satisfactory.
- Few people can appreciate the condition of the poor in our cities.
"State" and "condition" are similar in meaning, but "condition" gives a more detailed description while "state" is more general.
