public at large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public at large" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the general population or the community as a whole, often in discussions about public opinion or societal issues. Example: "The new policy was designed to benefit the public at large, ensuring that everyone had access to essential services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And the public at large?

The Economist

An appeal to the public at large?

The Guardian - Opinion

and/or the public at large?

The New York Times

The activists, or the public at large.

The Guardian

This new edition restores them to the public at large.

The New York Times - Books

It starts to alienate the public at large".

The New York Times

Other economic costs are borne by the public at large.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But if we represent the public at-large and are concerned with an informed citizenry, not so much.

Vice

The last time British guitar music had really impressed the public-at-large was with "Buck Rogers".

Vice

Social media is a wonderful way to communicate with constituents and the broader public-at-large about issues.

Huffington Post

As a member-based organization, we take seriously the feedback of seniors, our members, and the public-at-large.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public at large" when you want to refer to the general population, especially when discussing issues affecting everyone or when contrasting a smaller group with the wider community.

Common error

While "public at large" is a correct and usable phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "general public" or "everyone" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public at large" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes the general population or community, as evidenced by Ludwig examples across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public at large" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the general population. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term across various contexts. Its primary function is to denote the entire population, often in discussions concerning widespread impact or general opinion. While suitable for neutral and formal contexts like news reporting and academic writing, simpler alternatives such as "general public" might be preferable in informal settings. The phrase commonly appears in news and media sources, as well as in scientific and encyclopedia entries, demonstrating its widespread relevance and application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

General public

A more straightforward synonym, often used interchangeably but can sometimes lack the nuance of inclusivity.

Society at large

Broader term emphasizing the collective social structure and its members.

The people

A simpler term that refers to the general population of a country or region.

The populace

Emphasizes the entire population, often used in a political or demographic context.

The citizenry

Highlights the rights and responsibilities of people within a state or nation.

Ordinary people

Focuses on everyday individuals, rather than specific groups or leaders.

The community

Focuses on a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

The nation

Implies a shared national identity and culture among the population.

The masses

Can carry a connotation of a large, undifferentiated group of people, sometimes negative.

The world at large

Expands the scope to include all people globally, not limited by region or nation.

FAQs

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

You can use "public at large" to refer to the general population when discussing issues or policies that affect everyone. For example, "The new regulations are designed to protect the "general public" from health risks".

What are some alternatives to "public at large"?

Some alternatives to "public at large" include "general public", "the populace", "the community", or "society at large". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "the public in general" instead of "public at large"?

Yes, "the "public in general"" is a correct and commonly used alternative to "public at large". Both phrases refer to the general population.

What's the difference between "public at large" and "the masses"?

While both phrases refer to a large group of people, "public at large" is generally neutral, whereas "the "the masses"" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting an undifferentiated or easily manipulated group.