public consciousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public consciousness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to collective knowledge or awareness of an idea or event among a group of people. For example, "The protests around the world were responsible for raising public consciousness about inequality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sluizer was back in the public consciousness.

The Guardian - Film

"They immediately became ingrained in the public consciousness".

Independent

Gay slurs have emerged into the public consciousness recently.

The New York Times - Sports

A new font barely registers in the public consciousness.

The New York Times - Arts

The lure of the manganese nodule faded from public consciousness.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, familiarity helped ingrain the series in British public consciousness.

Independent

Now, his name is (apologies) etched into the public consciousness.

The New York Times

Sarbanes-Oxley has raised the public consciousness of corporate governance.

The New York Times

But only now has it entered the public consciousness.

The Economist

It takes years to break into the public consciousness.

The New York Times - Arts

Every few years, the rear resurges in the public consciousness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public consciousness" when referring to a widespread understanding or awareness of a particular issue, event, or concept within a society. It implies a level of recognition and acceptance among the general population.

Common error

Avoid using "public consciousness" interchangeably with "public opinion". The former refers to a general awareness or understanding, while the latter refers to the prevailing attitudes or beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public consciousness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents the collective awareness, knowledge, and understanding of a particular issue, idea, or event held by the general public. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public consciousness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the collective awareness and understanding of a particular issue within a society. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is widely recognized and accepted in written English. It appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts. While related phrases like "public awareness" and "collective knowledge" exist, it's important to distinguish "public consciousness" from "public opinion", which represents attitudes and beliefs. Use "public consciousness" when emphasizing the broad understanding of a topic, and avoid confusing it with simply knowing about something. By understanding its proper usage and nuances, you can effectively communicate about the state of societal awareness on various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public awareness

Focuses more on the state of being informed about something, rather than the deeper understanding implied by "consciousness".

collective awareness

Emphasizes the shared nature of the awareness, similar to "public consciousness" but applicable to smaller groups.

societal awareness

Highlights the collective understanding of societal issues, but not necessarily a profound understanding or internalization.

societal understanding

Broader than "public consciousness", encompassing all shared knowledge and beliefs within a society.

public sentiment

Refers to the general feeling or attitude of the public, not necessarily a conscious understanding.

general knowledge

Refers to widely held facts and information, differing from the broader societal understanding of "public consciousness".

shared perception

Implies a common way of viewing or interpreting something, close to "public consciousness" but more focused on interpretation.

popular opinion

Highlights prevailing beliefs or attitudes, not necessarily a deep understanding like "public consciousness".

common knowledge

Refers to information known by most people, differing from the more nuanced "public consciousness".

prevailing sentiment

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of public opinion, unlike the more cognitive "public consciousness".

FAQs

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

Use "public consciousness" to indicate a shared awareness or understanding of a subject among the general population. For example, "The documentary aimed to raise "public consciousness" about climate change".

What phrases can I use instead of "public consciousness" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives such as "public awareness", "collective knowledge", or "societal understanding" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "public consciousness" and "public opinion"?

Yes, "public consciousness" refers to the awareness and understanding of a topic, while "public opinion" refers to the attitudes and beliefs held by the public regarding that topic.

How does something enter the "public consciousness"?

An issue or idea typically enters the "public consciousness" through media coverage, public discussions, educational campaigns, or significant events that capture widespread attention.