civil service

USAGE SUMMARY

"civil service" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the branch of government that is responsible for providing public services. For example, "The civil service works hard to ensure all citizens have access to essential services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

1. Civil service fast stream The accelerated development programme for the civil service.

The Guardian

The civil service?

The New Yorker

See Chinese civil service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is no civil service.

The Economist

You know the civil service examination system.

The New York Times

Then he passed the civil service exams.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

We are far from offering dull civil service-type positions.

Science Magazine

The same goes for civil-service quotas.

The Economist

I am a civil-service employee.

The New York Times - Magazine

Civil-service law defines permissible working hours.

The New York Times - Books

The civil-service managers of QinetiQ did well too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "civil service", clarify the specific country or region to avoid ambiguity, as systems vary significantly.

Common error

Don't assume that all "civil service" positions are bureaucratic or inefficient; many dedicated individuals contribute effectively to public welfare.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "civil service" functions primarily as a noun, often used to denote the body of non-military government employees. It is also used to describe the system of public administration itself, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "civil service" is a very common noun phrase referring to the body of non-military government employees and the system of public administration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. Understanding its usage, as well as potential alternatives like "public sector employment", and avoiding generalizations about its efficiency will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public sector employment

Focuses on the employment aspect within the government.

government administration

Highlights the administrative functions of the government.

state bureaucracy

Emphasizes the bureaucratic structure of the government.

public service workforce

Refers to the collective body of people working in public service.

governmental workforce

A broader term encompassing all employees within the government.

civil administration

Stresses the administrative aspects of civilian governance.

public sector jobs

Focuses specifically on employment opportunities in the public sector.

government employees

Simply refers to individuals employed by the government.

public servants

Emphasizes the role of serving the public.

government staff

A general term for the personnel working for the government.

FAQs

How is "civil service" used in a sentence?

You can use "civil service" to describe the body of government employees or the system of public administration. For example, "She has a long career in the civil service."

What are some alternatives to "civil service"?

Depending on the context, you could use "public sector employment", "government administration", or "state bureaucracy" as alternatives to "civil service".

What kind of work is typically associated with the "civil service"?

The "civil service" encompasses a wide range of roles from administrative positions to policy-making and service delivery within government departments.

Is the term "civil service" specific to a particular country?

While the general concept applies globally, the structure and regulations of the "civil service" vary significantly from country to country.