Use this phrase when you're making a neutral observation about a situation without judging it. The current state of affairs at school remains unchanged despite new policies.
Pro Tip 2/3
Not Always Negative
This phrase is not exclusively for negative situations; it can describe positive contexts too. The state of affairs after the charity event was overwhelmingly positive.
Pro Tip 3/3
Formality
It's a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions. In this report, we examine the state of affairs in genetic research.