a public service

USAGE SUMMARY

"a public service" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a service or activity that benefits the general public or society as a whole. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as: 1. "The government has launched a new program aimed at providing a public service to low-income families." 2. "The local library offers a number of free public services, including computer access and educational workshops." 3. "Volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great way to contribute to the community and provide a public service to those in need." 4. "Protecting the environment is an important public service that benefits current and future generations." 5. "The company sponsors a annual charity event as part of their commitment to providing public services in the communities where they operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For me this is art as a public service.

Vice

"It's a public service".

The New Yorker

It's not a public service.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not just a public service".

The New Yorker

I want to render a public service.

The New Yorker

"I'd be offering a public service".

The New Yorker

I'd call them a public service.

The New York Times

That's a public service".

The New York Times

"We provide a public service.

The New York Times

Was this a public service?

The New York Times

You're performing a public service".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about initiatives or organizations, clearly define how they fulfill their commitment to providing "a public service". Provide specific examples of their actions and their impact on the community.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the positive impact of an action or initiative. Ensure claims of providing "a public service" are supported by evidence and are not merely marketing rhetoric.

Linguistic Context

"A public service" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes an activity, organization, or system intended to benefit the community. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a public service" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions or initiatives benefiting the general public. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in English. Its usage spans across news, business, and other contexts, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ it. While related phrases such as "community service" and "civic duty" exist, "a public service" serves as a versatile term with neutral to professional register. Remember to accurately portray the beneficial impact when using this phrase, and avoid overstating the positive effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

service to the public

A more general term emphasizing the act of serving the population.

serving the community

Highlights the act of providing assistance or benefits within a local area.

community service

Focuses specifically on service benefiting a local community.

acting in the public interest

Emphasizes decisions and actions that prioritize the welfare of the public.

civic duty

Emphasizes the obligation of a citizen to contribute to society.

public utility

Refers to essential services provided to the public, often by government or regulated companies.

government service

Highlights services provided directly by the government.

public sector work

Relates to employment that directly serves the population.

contribution to society

Focuses on the broader impact of an action on the well-being of society.

social welfare

Implies services that aim to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged groups.

FAQs

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

You can use "a public service" to describe an activity or organization that benefits the community. For example, "The library provides "a public service" by offering free access to books and computers".

What is the difference between "a public service" and "community service"?

"A public service" generally refers to any service that benefits the public, while "community service" typically refers to unpaid work performed by individuals for the benefit of their local community. Community service can be "a public service" but is more specific in scope.

What are some examples of what could be considered "a public service"?

Examples include firefighting, public education, healthcare, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental protection. These are services that are essential for the well-being of the community and are often provided or regulated by the government. Volunteering at a local soup kitchen also offers "a public service".

What can I say instead of "a public service"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "community service", "civic duty", "public utility", or "service to the public".