in public

USAGE SUMMARY

"in public" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is done or seen in an open or public space, such as a park or a store. For example: "David was embarrassed when he tripped and fell in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In public?

The New York Times

Smoking in public places.

The New York Times

Now it's in public".

The New York Times

In public somewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

They kissed in public.

The New Yorker

Performing in public?

The New York Times

All this in public?

The New York Times - Sports

In public, that is.

The Economist

Very much in public.

The New York Times

It's television in public.

The Guardian - Film

Parking in public lot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in public", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, especially when discussing sensitive or private matters.

Common error

Avoid using "in public" when a more specific location or context would provide clarity. For example, instead of saying "He embarrassed himself in public", specify where it happened, like "He embarrassed himself at the company party."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in public" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate where an action occurs. It specifies that the action happens within the view or presence of other people. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples of usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

40%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in public" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action or event is occurring within the view or presence of others. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to describe the setting of an action, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While generally acceptable, being mindful of context to avoid ambiguity and overuse is crucial for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a public place

This specifies the location where the action occurs.

publicly

This emphasizes the action's accessibility to the general populace.

openly

This focuses on the manner of the action being visible to all.

in full view

This highlights the complete and unobstructed visibility of the action.

in the open

This suggests the action is not concealed or hidden.

before others

This highlights the presence of an audience or witnesses.

for all to see

This stresses the visibility of the action to everyone.

within view

This emphasizes that something is within sight of people.

before an audience

This specifies a more formal setting with a designated audience.

on display

This implies something is deliberately shown to others.

FAQs

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

You can use "in public" to describe actions or behaviors that occur where other people can see them. For example, "It is considered rude to talk loudly on your phone "in public"".

What is the difference between "in public" and "publicly"?

"In public" refers to the location or setting where an action takes place, whereas "publicly" describes the manner in which something is done. For example, "They argued "in public"" (location), versus "They "publicly" announced their engagement" (manner).

What are some alternatives to saying "in public"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "openly", "in the open", or "before others".

Is it always appropriate to discuss personal matters "in public"?

No, discussing personal matters "in public" is often considered inappropriate, as it can make others uncomfortable and compromise privacy. It's generally better to reserve such discussions for private settings.