a public official

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a public official" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an individual who holds a position of authority or responsibility in government or public service. Example: "The investigation revealed that a public official had been involved in corrupt practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm a public official.

The New York Times

Ms. Brewer is too rare a public official to retire.

The New York Times

"You are a public official," he says to Mr. Thomas.

The New York Times

Q. Have you ever been approached by a public official?

The New York Times

"That's the thanks a public official gets in our community".

The New York Times

If a public official is in Russia, he must know the Russian language.

The New York Times

"I have an obligation as a public official to rigorously advance both," he said.

The New York Times

But he argued in court that his job as a prosecutor made him a public official.

The New York Times

Now is not a pleasant time to be a public official in Manitowoc County.

Independent

She said that voting by a public official is conduct rather than protected speech.

The New York Times

Candidates can be debarred for "extremism"; that includes slandering a public official.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a public official", consider specifying their role or department for clarity. For instance, instead of simply saying "a public official", use "a city council member" or "a state health officer".

Common error

Avoid using "a public official" when a more specific title would provide better context. Readers benefit from knowing the exact position held by the individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a public official" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying individuals holding positions of authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a public official" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to an individual holding a position of authority in government or public service. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "government official" or "civil servant" exist, "a public official" provides a specific nuance that is well-understood and accepted. Remember to be specific about the official's role when possible and to avoid overgeneralization. This phrase is a standard and versatile part of the English lexicon for discussing those who serve in public roles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a government official

This is a more general term indicating someone holding a position in the government.

a public servant

This emphasizes dedication to serving the public interest.

a government employee

This alternative broadens the scope to any individual employed by the government, not necessarily in a position of authority.

a civil servant

This term emphasizes service to the public and is often associated with administrative roles.

an elected representative

This alternative specifically refers to individuals chosen by voters to represent them.

a state functionary

This phrase is a more formal way of referring to someone performing official duties for the state.

a representative of the people

This highlights the representative aspect of the role, focusing on serving the citizenry.

a political appointee

This refers to someone who has been appointed to a position by a political leader.

an officer of the state

This is a formal term emphasizing the individual's role as an agent of the government.

an authority figure

This focuses on the person's position of power and influence within the community or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "a public official" to refer to someone who holds a position in the government or public service. For example, "The investigation focused on the actions of "a public official" accused of corruption".

What are some alternatives to using "a public official"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a government official", "a civil servant", or "an elected representative".

Is "public official" a formal or informal term?

"Public official" is generally considered a neutral to formal term suitable for news reports, academic papers, and official documents. It is appropriate for most contexts.

What responsibilities does "a public official" typically have?

The responsibilities of "a public official" vary depending on their specific role, but they generally include serving the public interest, upholding the law, and making decisions that affect the community.