an informed populace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an informed populace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of having a well-educated and knowledgeable public, particularly in contexts related to democracy, governance, or civic engagement. Example: "A healthy democracy relies on an informed populace that can make educated decisions during elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So really, an informed populace is the only answer.

TechCrunch

A properly functioning democracy begs for an informed populace, and America enjoys neither.

Huffington Post

The two talked higher education, infectious diseases and why an informed populace makes a good democracy.

Huffington Post

Plus, a President Obama needs an informed populace prepared to hold Congress accountable if he really does want to advance a progressive agenda.

Huffington Post

"It's essential, in fact, to keeping an informed populace".

The New York Times

Most people idealise democracy as a form of governance in which an informed populace deliberates about the common good and carefully selects leaders who carry out their preferences.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The only way we will have smarter politics is if we have a more informed populace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although his results may not have public health implications, Buesseler says he hopes his work leads to a better informed populace.

Science Magazine

I'm contributing to an informed public".

The New York Times

The Current team shares our view that progressive political news and commentary is critical for an intelligent and informed populace, and we're excited to be part of their growing line-up of talented news broadcasters".

The New York Times

Simultaneously, a well-informed populace lessens the risk of overblown, unconstructive panic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context and choose synonyms like "knowledgeable citizenry" or "educated public" if they better emphasize a particular aspect of being informed.

Common error

While both terms relate to knowledge, "informed" suggests awareness of current events and specific issues, whereas "educated" implies a broader, more general understanding. Ensure your choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an informed populace" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a group of people who possess knowledge and understanding, typically about matters of public interest. Ludwig shows several examples where it is used to emphasize the importance of knowledge in a democratic society.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an informed populace" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that emphasizes the significance of a knowledgeable public. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability, highlighting its frequent use in news, science, and media contexts. While synonyms like "knowledgeable citizenry" or "educated public" offer alternative phrasing, the core meaning remains consistent: a society where people have access to and understand relevant information is crucial for effective governance and societal well-being. To ensure clarity, it's vital to differentiate "informed" from "educated" and choose the term that best reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a knowledgeable citizenry

This alternative replaces "populace" with "citizenry" and "informed" with "knowledgeable", emphasizing the collective group of citizens and their knowledge.

an educated public

This option uses "public" instead of "populace" and "educated" instead of "informed", focusing on the level of education within the general public.

a well-informed society

This shifts the focus to society as a whole, emphasizing that the society possesses a high level of information.

a discerning public

This emphasizes the public's ability to make good judgments and distinctions based on the information they have.

a literate citizenry

This focuses on literacy as a foundation for being informed and participating in civic life.

an enlightened populace

This alternative suggests a populace that is not only informed but also possesses wisdom and understanding.

a media-literate public

This specifies that the public is proficient in understanding and critically evaluating media content.

a politically aware citizenry

This emphasizes the citizenry's knowledge and understanding of political matters.

a critically thinking society

This highlights the importance of critical thinking skills in processing information within a society.

a public with access to information

This focuses on the accessibility of information for the public, rather than their current state of being informed.

FAQs

How can I use "an informed populace" in a sentence?

You can use "an informed populace" to describe a group of people who have access to and understand relevant information, especially regarding civic or political matters. For instance, "A healthy democracy depends on "an informed populace" that can make sound decisions."

What's a good alternative to "an informed populace"?

Alternatives include "a knowledgeable citizenry", which emphasizes the role of citizens, or "an educated public", focusing on the level of formal education.

In what contexts is "an informed populace" most appropriate?

"An informed populace" is particularly appropriate in discussions about politics, governance, public health, and other areas where public understanding and participation are vital. It emphasizes the importance of people having access to accurate information to make responsible choices.

Is there a difference between "an informed populace" and "a well-informed populace"?

The difference is subtle, but "a well-informed populace" may suggest a higher degree of knowledge or awareness compared to simply "an informed populace". Both are generally acceptable, but "well-informed" adds emphasis.