public appeal

USAGE SUMMARY

"public appeal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a request from an individual or group to a large group of people for help, support, or action of some kind. For example: "The charity launched a public appeal asking for donations to help fund its programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Funding & Charity

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it has begun a public appeal.

The New York Times - Arts

What about a public appeal?

The New York Times - Sports

Holmes's immense public appeal was precisely what annoyed Conan Doyle.

The New York Times - Books

"Vic has enormous public appeal," said spokesman Warren Lush.

The Guardian

We might have to put together a public appeal".

The New York Times

The protagonist is an historic figure of wide public appeal.

The Guardian

Kwementyaye's mother feared a riot and the family issued a public appeal for calm.

The Guardian

This is only the third time the museum has made such a public appeal.

The New York Times - Arts

A public appeal for funds was made on his behalf in 1906.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Pollard recently made a personal request for a public appeal for his release.

The New York Times

"Her size is integral to her identity and public appeal," argued one.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "public appeal", clearly state the purpose of the appeal and what you are asking the public to do. A vague appeal is less likely to be successful. Provide specific ways for people to contribute or get involved.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the urgency of a "public appeal" if the situation does not warrant it. Inflated language can erode credibility. Ensure the tone matches the true need.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public appeal" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a request made to the general public. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public appeal" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a call for support or assistance directed toward the general population. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, formal communications and scientific publications. When crafting a "public appeal", remember to clearly articulate the purpose, specify the desired action, and tailor the tone to the situation. While alternatives like "call for public support" or "campaign for public donations" exist, "public appeal" remains a versatile and widely understood expression for seeking public engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call for public support

Focuses specifically on seeking backing or endorsement from the public, often for a cause or initiative.

public request

A more generic term for asking something to the audience. It does not imply an emergency.

campaign for public donations

Emphasizes the financial aspect of the appeal, targeting monetary contributions from the public.

nationwide plea

Suggests a more emotional and urgent request directed to the entire country.

community solicitation

Highlights the local aspect of seeking help, targeting residents of a particular area.

mass solicitation

Highlights the mass component of the request, as for mass media

drive for community action

Specifically encourages people to become proactive within their area.

general entreaty

A more formal and less common way to express a sincere request to the public.

open invitation

Emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, inviting anyone to participate or contribute.

public awareness campaign

Focuses on educating and informing the public about a specific issue.

FAQs

How is "public appeal" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "public appeal" is commonly used to describe a request made to the general population for assistance, funds, or support. For example, "The museum launched a "public appeal" to raise money for renovations."

What are some alternatives to using "public appeal"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "call for public support", "campaign for public donations", or "nationwide plea" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "public appeal" and "public announcement"?

"Public appeal" implies a request for something, like help or donations, whereas "public announcement" is simply conveying information to the public. One seeks action, the other informs.

Is it better to say "public appeal" or "appeal to the public"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Public appeal" functions as a noun phrase, while "appeal to the public" is a verb phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis. For instance: "The charity launched a "public appeal"" versus "The charity decided to appeal to the public."