“United States” vs. “The United States”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “United States” and “the United States”

  • It is not grammatically correct to omit "the" in "the United States."
  • "The United States" is the standard and accepted way to refer to the country, and the definite article "the" is an integral part of its name.
  • Omitting "the" would be considered incorrect usage.
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What is the definition of “United States” and “the United States”?

United States
  • It is not grammatically correct to omit "the" in "the United States."
The United States
  • "The United States" specifically refers to the country officially known as the United States of America.
  • It is a proper noun and should always be capitalized.
  • The use of "the" implies a unique and singular entity separate from other countries with similar names.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“United States” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
United States
3,790,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It is not grammatically correct to omit "the" in "the United States."
The United States
2,570,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The United States has a diverse population with people from different backgrounds.
  2. The United States has 50 states and each state has its own unique culture and history.
  3. The United States is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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