population at large

USAGE SUMMARY

"population at large" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the general public or a whole group of people, for example "The mayor's speech was generally well received by the population at large".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under-diagnosed, in the population at large.

The Guardian - Books

But they were not representative of the population at large.

The New York Times

Now it seems broadly true among the population at large.

The New York Times

The law requires proof that the shootings were intended to "intimidate the civilian population at large".

The New York Times

They ask that economic and trade policies benefit the population at large.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mam, meanwhile, has 17% backing among party sympathisers, and only 9% among the population at large.

The Guardian

In the United States, she said, the Internet population more closely resembles the population at large.

The New York Times

The rate of unemployment in the trans community is double that of the population at large.

The New Yorker

"It wasn't just yoga, she was known by the population at large".

The New York Times

This holds across all age groups, and it's matches attitudes in the population at large.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prosecutors in Mr. Muhammad's case argued that he had sought to terrorize the population at large.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "population at large", ensure the context clearly defines the specific group you are referring to. While it implies a broad group, clarifying its boundaries can enhance precision.

Common error

Avoid using "population at large" when referring to a specific subgroup within a larger population without proper qualification. For instance, if discussing healthcare access for the elderly, specify "the elderly population" rather than the "population at large" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "population at large" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It broadly refers to the general public or a wide segment of society, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "population at large" is a versatile term used to refer to the general public or a wide segment of society. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context clearly defines the specific group you are referring to. While alternatives like "general public" or "wider population" exist, "population at large" offers a nuanced way to generalize without losing precision. Given its frequent use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, understanding and using this phrase correctly is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general public

Replaces "population at large" with a more common and direct term.

public in general

Reorders and slightly expands the phrase to emphasize generality.

wider population

Substitutes "at large" with "wider", emphasizing the broad scope of the population.

entire populace

Uses a more formal word, "populace", to indicate the whole population.

average person

Focuses on the typical individual within the population.

ordinary citizens

Highlights the common status of individuals within the larger group.

broader community

Shifts the focus from a statistical population to a more socially connected community.

common people

Emphasizes the non-elite members of society.

the masses

A more evocative term for the general population, often used in a social or political context.

nation as a whole

Scales up to the level of a country, emphasizing the collective.

FAQs

How do I use "population at large" in a sentence?

You can use "population at large" to refer to the general public or a broad group of people. For example: "The new policy is expected to benefit the "general public", affecting the "population at large".

What's another way to say "population at large"?

Alternatives to "population at large" include "general public", "wider population", or "entire populace". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "population at large" formal or informal?

"Population at large" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for use in news articles, reports, and academic writing. More informal contexts might prefer ""general public"".

What is the difference between "community at large" and "population at large"?

"Population at large" refers to a statistically defined group, while "community at large" implies a group with shared interests or a geographical connection. Use "community at large" when emphasizing social connections and shared values.