public interest

USAGE SUMMARY

'public interest' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to issues or matters which are of interest to the public, and which are seen as important or significant. For example, "The governor has decided not to act on this issue, since it does not serve the public interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The public interest?

The New York Times

And of public interest.

The New York Times - Science

"Oil is a public interest".

The New York Times

"Only the public interest lost".

The New York Times

Was it of public interest?

The New York Times - Magazine

Public interest was intense.

The Guardian - Books

Thirdly, the public interest.

The Guardian

"It is in the public interest.

The New York Times

But will the public interest wane?

Independent

But it is not public interest journalism".

The New York Times

International public interest groups (nongovernmental organizations [NGOs]).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When arguing for a course of action, explicitly state how it serves the "public interest" and provide clear examples of the benefits.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone agrees on what constitutes the "public interest". Clearly define your understanding of the term and acknowledge potential alternative viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

Public interest functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it often denotes the intended beneficiary of a policy or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public interest" is a widely used noun phrase that refers to the well-being and benefit of the community or society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate across a range of contexts. It is frequently used in news, scientific, and academic discourse. When using this phrase, it's important to be clear about what constitutes the "public interest" and to avoid assuming universal agreement. Consider using synonyms like "common good" or "general welfare" for variety. Remember to tailor your usage to the specific context and audience to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common good

Replaces "public interest" with a more concise term that emphasizes overall societal benefit.

general welfare

Emphasizes the well-being and prosperity of the population as a whole.

societal benefit

Focuses on the advantages and positive outcomes for society.

community benefit

Narrows the scope to the advantages for a specific community.

national interest

Shifts the focus to the advantages and security of a nation.

collective well-being

Highlights the shared sense of health and happiness within a group.

public advantage

Focuses on the benefits and gains for the public.

popular demand

Indicates widespread support and desire among the public.

civic responsibility

Highlights the duties and obligations of citizens for the betterment of society.

greater good

Implies a moral dimension, prioritizing what is best for everyone involved.

FAQs

How can I use "public interest" in a sentence?

You can use "public interest" to describe actions or policies that benefit the community. For instance, "The new law was enacted in the "public interest" to improve air quality".

What is a good substitute for "public interest"?

Alternatives to "public interest" include "common good", "general welfare", or "societal benefit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean for something to be in the "public interest"?

For something to be in the "public interest" means it benefits the majority of people in a community or society. It implies actions that promote well-being, safety, and fairness for all.

How does "national interest" differ from "public interest"?

"Public interest" typically refers to the well-being of a community or society, while "national interest" pertains to the advantages and security of a nation as a whole. They aren't mutually exclusive, but the scope differs.