on a public scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a public scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done or observed in a manner that is accessible or relevant to the general public. Example: "The charity event was successful, raising awareness for the cause on a public scale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He was working here on a public scale.

Independent

It's fucked up to be a part of it, and I didn't want to bring it back up and put it more on a public scale.

The Guardian - Sport

Many have received small grants from local councils who appreciate the value of active, engaged, creative citizens – especially those who have not been involved on a public scale before).

Independent

I had hoped, apropos of the Guggenheim and moca shows, to announce that minimalism is at last firmly historical — over, that is, as the background model of what it means to address contemporary reality honestly and creatively on a public scale.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Each of us can relate to making a social media post we regret later and vowing never to do it again — but few of us do it on such a public scale.

TechCrunch

"Just the concept of using allegory and the character of a mime being a Christ-type figure — nothing had really been done like that before on such a public scale," said Quigley.

Los Angeles Times

A recent outbreak of rotavirus diarrhea in a daycare center in Denmark demonstrated that even small outbreaks of rotavirus in childcare facilities can be associated with substantial expense on a personal and a public scale due to parental loss of work (4 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The project isn't over, however: "I haven't shot an insect for a month or so, and James said, 'Are you ready to go again?' I said, 'Yeah, let's go for it.'" First, though, Biss will see his private project exhibited on a very public scale, an experience that Sebastian, now eight, is relishing.

The Guardian

There's the flip side to this madness where the youth actually takes a similar stance to mine on a similar public scale, making their Facebook statuses that they don't think this is the time for love but the time to go "buck wild" and be crazy.

Huffington Post

Then came works on a more public scale: "Song of the Youths" and "Groups".

The New York Times - Arts

But we did experience, on a popular, public scale, the thrill of the avant garde.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a public scale" when emphasizing the widespread impact or visibility of an action or event. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with private or individual actions.

Common error

Avoid using "on a public scale" when simply describing the size of something. "Large scale" refers to size or scope, while "on a public scale" implies visibility or impact on the general population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a public scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the scope or visibility of an action or event. It indicates that something is happening in a way that impacts or is observable by the general public. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a public scale" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing actions or events that have a broad reach and impact on the general public. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its acceptability in professional and news contexts. Be mindful to use it when you intend to highlight public visibility or impact, distinguishing it from phrases that simply describe size or scope. Its versatile nature allows for easy integration into various discussions related to society, events, and actions that transcend private contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the public eye

Focuses more on visibility and scrutiny by the public.

in a public setting

Focuses on the location or environment where something occurs.

in a widely visible manner

Emphasizes the extent of visibility.

in full view of the public

Emphasizes the complete visibility to everyone.

before a large audience

Highlights the presence of a substantial group of observers.

for public consumption

Indicates something is created or intended for use by the general population.

in the realm of public opinion

Shifts the focus to the impact on public perception.

in a transparent manner

Highlights openness and honesty in how something is done or presented.

on a national level

Specifies a broader scope geographically.

in open view

Highlights the openness and lack of secrecy.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a public scale" to describe actions or events that have a widespread impact or are visible to the general public. For example, "The company launched its new campaign "on a public scale" to increase brand awareness."

What's the difference between "on a public scale" and "on a large scale"?

"On a large scale" refers to the size or extent of something, while "on a public scale" refers to the visibility or impact of something on the general population. They are not always interchangeable.

Are there alternatives to using "on a public scale"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in the public eye", "in a public setting", or "for public consumption".

Is "on a public scale" formal or informal language?

"On a public scale" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for use in news articles, reports, and professional communications.