country at large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "country at large" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the general population or the entirety of a nation, often in discussions about public opinion or national issues. Example: "The new policy has been met with mixed reactions from the country at large, with many citizens expressing their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The country at large did not know.

The New York Times

Tepito well represents much of the country at large.

The Economist

Austerity policies have proved disastrous for the country at large.

The New Yorker

But the Democratic Party is not the country at large.

The New Yorker

'That's what it did to the country at large.

The Guardian

But it probably does not reflect a real change in the country at large.

The Economist

But in the country at large, voters remain at sea with the new politics.

The Economist

They are far more heavily anti-abortion than the country at large, and pro-Tea Party.

The New York Times

In the country at large, the public remained preoccupied with completing territorial unification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The country at-large remains at cross-purposes on the balance of security and liberty.

Huffington Post

It is whiter, less educated and poorer than the country at large characteristics of her keenest supporters in previous contests.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "country at large" when you want to refer to the entire population of a nation, especially when discussing broad trends, opinions, or impacts. For instance: "The new economic policy affected the "country at large".

Common error

Avoid using "country at large" when you actually mean a specific region or demographic within the country. This phrase implies a nationwide scope, so ensure your statement is applicable to the entire nation, not just a part of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "country at large" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It specifies the scope or extent to which something applies, encompassing the entirety of a nation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "country at large" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to the entire population or geographical area of a nation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely applicable, and its meaning is clear. The analysis of usage contexts reveals that it's frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the statement you're making is truly applicable to the entire nation and not just a specific region or demographic. Remember that alternatives like ""the nation as a whole"" or ""the general public"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the nation as a whole

This alternative emphasizes the unity and completeness of the nation.

the whole country

This is a more straightforward and less formal way of saying "country at large".

the general public

This alternative focuses on the people, rather than the geographical boundaries of the country.

the national community

This option focuses on the shared identity and interests within a country.

the entire population

This alternative highlights every single person living in the country.

the people of the nation

This option is more descriptive and emphasizes the people who constitute the nation.

the citizenry

This refers to the body of citizens within the country.

throughout the country

This option is very similar to "across the nation" and emphasizes distribution.

the nationwide community

This alternative emphasizes the sense of community that exists across the country.

across the nation

This emphasizes the spatial distribution throughout the country.

FAQs

How can I use "country at large" in a sentence?

Use "country at large" to refer to the general population or entirety of a nation, especially when discussing broad impacts or trends. For instance: "The economic recession has affected the "country at large"."

What are some alternatives to "country at large"?

Alternatives include "the nation as a whole", "the general public", or "the entire population", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "the country at large" or "the nation at large"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable and interchangeable. "Country at large" emphasizes the geographical and political entity, while "nation at large" highlights the people and shared identity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "country at large" and "regionally"?

"Country at large" refers to the entire nation and its population, whereas "regionally" refers to specific areas or districts within the nation. The former is broad and encompassing, while the latter is localized.