The use of the word “state” in The Book of Mormon is a fine example of how there were different authors within The Most Holy & Sacred Book of Mormon, none of whom were Joseph Smith.
The prophet Alma wasn’t the only author to use the word state, but he used it far more than any other author in The Book of Mormon. He liked it so much that he used it to restate a point of doctrine.
Compare verses four and ten in the following example. Also note the numer of times the word state is used in verses 10, 12, and 13.
4 And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.
10 Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.
11 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.
12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;
13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God. (Alma 42)
What is important to understand is that Joseph did not use this word himself to describe the probationary state of man. In his own writings he only used the words sphere and agency but not state.