a general public

USAGE SUMMARY

"a general public" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the overall population or society as a whole. Example: The new policy received mixed reactions from the general public, with some expressing support for its goals while others criticized its implementation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A total of 12 third-grade Class A general public hospitals in Beijing were selected for a preliminary study.

BMC Health Services Research

Central to The Atlas development approach is the extensive analysis of the needs of a general public target user group.

Modern Cartography Series

More generally, does exclusion of religious institutions from a general public benefit automatically amount to discrimination?

The New York Times

Wood recently explained the strength of spider silk to a general public audience--an effort that made him this year's winner of the FameLab science communication competition.

Science Magazine

He tried to explain things as easily as possible to a general public.

The New Yorker

He was influential in winning a general public acceptance of Marcel Proust as an important writer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

These could provide the starting point for a general public interest defence for the media to relevant criminal offences, especially those aimed at protecting privacy.

The Guardian

This time he was going up against a much bigger foe, a league that didn't want him and a general public that seemed to disavow his entire career.

Huffington Post

Results from a general public survey indicated that 32% of people had ever bought a self-test kit, including pregnancy testing, of some kind [ 31].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

They invited us to their academy at Tulliallan Castle in Fife to discuss their international strategy face-to-face, claiming they "recognised that there is a general public interest in transparency by public authorities".

Vice

To describe the medication errors in the medication use cycle in a general public hospital, and to identify intervention strategies in relation to the detection and prevention of these errors.

Revista de Calidad Asistencial

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your target audience's knowledge level and tailor your content accordingly when addressing "a general public".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a general public" shares uniform opinions or values; acknowledge diverse perspectives and experiences within the population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general public" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts. It identifies the recipient or target of an action or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general public" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the population at large. Ludwig AI validates this, highlighting its frequent appearance in news, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "the public at large" or "the population" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase "a general public", it’s crucial to avoid generalizations and consider the diverse perspectives within the population to ensure clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the public at large

Replaces 'general' with 'at large', emphasizing the broad scope of the public.

the population

A more direct and concise term for the entire group of people.

the citizenry

Emphasizes the role of people as citizens, particularly in a political context.

the masses

This term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a less discerning audience.

the community

Implies a sense of shared identity or location among the people.

the populace

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for the general public.

ordinary people

Highlights the everyday nature of the people being referred to.

the average person

Focuses on the typical or representative individual within the public.

the consumer base

Specifically refers to the public in their role as consumers of goods and services.

the readership

Refers specifically to the public that reads a particular publication or type of content.

FAQs

How can I use "a general public" in a sentence?

You can use "a general public" to refer to the population as a whole or a broad segment of society. For example, "The new policy aims to benefit a general public".

What are some alternatives to "a general public"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the public at large", "the population", or "the citizenry".

Is it appropriate to use "the masses" instead of "a general public"?

While "the masses" can be used as a synonym, it may carry a negative connotation suggesting a less discerning or easily influenced group. "A general public" is usually more neutral.

When is it more appropriate to use "the community" instead of "a general public"?

"The community" is best used when referring to a group of people who share a common location, identity, or interest, while "a general public" refers to a broader, less defined group.