audience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "audience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people who are watching, listening to, or engaging with a performance, presentation, or piece of media. Example: "The audience erupted in applause at the end of the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The audience loved it".

The New York Times - Arts

Together, they have positioned the Guardian to build on its worldwide audience and to capitalise on its new commercial and digital opportunities".

The Guardian

Since launching its US and Australia digital editions in 2011 and 2013 respectively, traffic from outside of the UK now represents over two-thirds of the Guardian's total digital audience.

The Guardian

When the Labour leader said no, a lowing sound could be heard, the noise of an audience uniting in sceptical rejection of the man before them – a reminder that one of Miliband's greatest errors since 2010 was his failure to debunk the narrative that blames Labour profligacy for the country's fiscal troubles.

The Guardian

Douglas thanked his fellow nominee and co-star Matt Damon on stage, telling the audience at the at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles that he could not have done it without the man who played his on-screen lover Scott Thorson.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Since launching its US and Australia digital editions in 2011 and 2013 respectively, traffic from outside of the UK now represents around two-thirds of the Guardian's total digital audience.

The Guardian

As someone who wasn't a China specialist, it made me a better audience.

The Economist

He told the audience that analysts were already predicting that large scale solar power would be "cheaper than coal in China and India within the next five to ten years" and that wind energy was already "at parity with new coal in India".

The Guardian

Cannes didn't make sex, lies and videotape (the film had already won the audience award at Sundance), but in giving the Palme d'Or to Soderbergh, Wim Wenders' jury gave the new indie cinema the old school's blessing.

The Guardian - Film

While serious independent journalism remains nearly impossible in Iran, the bureau is able to provide original reporting through its extensive list of contacts both inside and outside the republic, and to bring the voices of ordinary people to an international audience.

The Guardian

Christie, viewed by many as the most moderate would-be candidate in attendance, reeled off impressive statistics from his re-election victory in New Jersey last year as he received a predictably lukewarm response from the conservative-leaning audience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a specific group, such as readers of a publication, use more precise terms like "readership" instead of the general term "audience".

Common error

Avoid using "audience" interchangeably with "spectators" if the context involves passive observation rather than active engagement. "Spectators" better describes those who merely watch, whereas "audience" implies a more involved group.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "audience" is as a noun, referring to a group of people who are present at a performance or event. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where "audience" acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "audience" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes a group of people who are present to witness or engage with a performance, presentation, or media. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, primarily within news and media. When using "audience", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term like "viewers", "listeners", or "readership" might be more appropriate. By avoiding common errors such as confusing it with "spectators", you can ensure clarity and precision in your writing. Keep in mind that other terms such as "public", "gathering", or "assembly" can be synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

viewers

Focuses specifically on those who are watching, often used in the context of television or online content. It is more specific.

spectators

Refers to people who watch an event, especially a sports event or a performance. It emphasizes the act of observing.

listeners

Highlights those who are hearing something, such as a speech or music. This is a more precise term for audio-based events.

readership

Denotes the people who read a particular publication. It is specific to written content.

following

Indicates a group of people who support or admire someone or something. It suggests a dedicated group.

public

A broad term referring to people in general, often used in the context of media or general awareness. It's more general.

gathering

Implies a group of people who have come together for a specific purpose. It emphasizes the collective aspect.

crowd

Suggests a large number of people gathered together, often in a public place. It is more informal.

assembly

Refers to a group of people gathered for a formal or official purpose. It conveys a sense of organization and purpose.

congregation

Typically refers to a group of people gathered for religious worship. It is specific to religious contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "audience" in a sentence?

You can use "audience" to refer to a group of people watching a performance, as in "The audience applauded enthusiastically". It can also refer to the readership of a publication, like "The magazine has a large audience of young adults".

What's a good alternative to using the word "audience"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "viewers" for broadcasts, "listeners" for audio content, "readership" for publications, or "spectators" for events.

Is it correct to use "audience" when referring to readers of a book?

Yes, it is correct. "Audience" can refer to the "readership" of a book or other written publication. For example, "The book found a large audience among history enthusiasts".

What is the difference between "audience" and "public"?

"Audience" typically refers to a specific group of people gathered to watch, listen, or read something, while "public" is a more general term for people at large. The audience is a subset of the "public".