public discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

"public discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing public opinions or matters concerning the public. For example, "Recently, there has been a lot of public discourse surrounding the topic of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It did not influence public discourse".

The New Yorker

Public discourse is vigorous but dignified.

The Economist

That's been lacking in the public discourse".

The New York Times

The public discourse is poorer for this.

The Guardian - Business

Transparency and public discourse are crucial.

The Guardian - Opinion

The quality of public discourse is another casualty of austerity.

The New York Times

A measured public discourse about Israel would help.

The Economist

But in our public discourse, overt racism became utterly taboo.

The New York Times

Hamels, 27, is a little more comfortable with public discourse.

The New York Times - Sports

In public discourse social status judgments are often crude.

The New York Times

But his absence from public discourse makes him a cipher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public discourse" to refer to the exchange of ideas and opinions on matters of general concern within a community or society. For example, "The election sparked a national public discourse about healthcare reform."

Common error

Avoid using "public discourse" in overly abstract or vague ways. Instead, specify the topic or context of the discussion to provide clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The issue entered public discourse", say "The issue became a topic of public discourse during the town hall meeting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public discourse" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the exchange of ideas and opinions on matters of general concern within a community or society. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, confirming its established role in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public discourse" is a noun phrase that describes the exchange of ideas and opinions on matters of general concern. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. While it is generally neutral to formal, specifying the topic of discussion can improve clarity. Related phrases include "public debate" and "public conversation". By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively incorporate "public discourse" into your writing and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public debate

Focuses more specifically on a formal discussion with opposing arguments.

public discussion

Emphasizes a broader and less structured form of conversation among the public.

public conversation

Highlights the interactive and communicative aspect of the exchange of ideas.

public rhetoric

Focuses on the art of persuasive speaking or writing in the public sphere.

public dialogue

Implies a more structured and purposeful exchange of views.

civil discourse

Emphasizes respectful and constructive communication in the public arena.

public expression

Highlights the act of conveying thoughts or feelings to the public.

public narrative

Focuses on the stories and accounts that circulate within the public domain.

public statement

Indicates a formal declaration made to the public.

public intervention

Suggests an action taken by an authority in a public matter.

FAQs

How to use "public discourse" in a sentence?

You can use "public discourse" to describe conversations and debates on matters of general concern. For example, "The documentary aimed to stimulate public discourse about environmental issues."

What can I say instead of "public discourse"?

You can use alternatives like "public debate", "public discussion", or "public conversation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "public discourse" or "public dialog"?

"Public discourse" is generally preferred for broader discussions, while "public dialogue" is more apt for structured exchanges. Both are valid, but their nuance differs.

What's the difference between "public discourse" and "civil discourse"?

"Public discourse" refers to any public discussion, whereas "civil discourse" specifically implies a respectful and constructive exchange of ideas.