held in public

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held in public" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or meeting that is open for anyone to attend or observe. Example: "The town hall meeting will be held in public to encourage community participation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are usually held in public.

Independent

Committee meetings are held in public.

The Guardian

Those who answer that it is held "in public trust" are not just mouthing idealistic catchwords.

The New York Times - Arts

"It will be the first mass meeting to be held in public and not in secrecy".

The New York Times

Local developers are also savvy to the potential held in public art.

The Guardian

Although the event is held in public, attendance is by invitation-only.

The Guardian

This means, among other things, asking intelligent questions at board meetings, which are held in public.

The Guardian

You have no obligation to ignore a conversation held in public.

The New York Times - Magazine

'I also would request that the contempt hearing be held in public.

Cornell University

Centuries of jurisprudence have upheld the doctrine that a certain portion of the coastline is held in public trust.

The New York Times

Unwisely, the court agreed to his demand that his six-day trial should be held in public.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held in public", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held (e.g., a meeting, trial, debate) and that the intention is to emphasize openness and accessibility.

Common error

Avoid using "held in public" when you simply mean something is generally known. The phrase specifically indicates an event or process that takes place openly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held in public" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something (e.g., a meeting, trial, or event) is conducted openly and accessible to the public. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held in public" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe events or proceedings that are open to public observation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the context emphasizes transparency and accessibility. Alternatives like "open to the public" or "publicly accessible" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using it when you mean something is simply generally known, as the phrase specifically denotes an open event or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open to the public

Focuses on accessibility rather than the act of holding or conducting.

publicly accessible

Emphasizes the ability to access something by the general populace.

conducted publicly

Highlights the act of conducting something in an open manner.

in the public domain

Refers to information or works available for anyone to use, not necessarily an event.

before a live audience

Indicates an event with present observers.

in a public forum

Suggests a more structured and open discussion.

for public viewing

Highlights the visual aspect of something being available.

within public sight

Emphasizes visibility but not necessarily interaction.

in the presence of the public

Formal way to express the idea of something being observed by the public.

accessible to everyone

Focuses on the equal opportunity to access regardless the circumstances of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "held in public" to describe events like trials, meetings, or debates that are open to the public. For example, "The trial was "held in public" to ensure transparency".

What are some alternatives to saying "held in public"?

Alternatives include "open to the public", "publicly accessible", or "conducted publicly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "held in public" or "held publicly"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "held in public" typically refers to a physical event or process that takes place openly, while "held publicly" often emphasizes that information or opinions are expressed openly.

What's the difference between "held in public" and "in the public domain"?

"Held in public" describes an event or activity that is open to observation, while "in the public domain" refers to creative works or information that are not protected by copyright and are free for anyone to use.