public scandal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public scandal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an event or situation that causes widespread outrage or controversy among the public. Example: "The politician's involvement in the corruption case led to a major public scandal that shook the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was thinking of embroiling Beard in a public scandal.

The New Yorker

The current lack of disclosure is a public scandal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a public scandal and everyone knows Murdoch's empire is tainted by these revelations".

Independent

Mills was at university when her father became embroiled in a public scandal.

Independent

In 1768 the first public scandal erupted: the Rose Keller affair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He commended the returning officer and Lancashire police for "unmasking a public scandal".

The Guardian

It's not a public scandal when private explorers make fatal mistakes.

The New York Times

When local mothers rebelled, Moses ordered the bulldozers in at night, creating a public scandal.

The New York Times - Arts

But as Lahr also notes, Orton and Halliwell were mainly intent on dramatising an in-joke as public scandal.

Independent

The first is to highlight the "public scandal" of how little funding lung cancer receives compared with other cancers.

The Guardian

Like Dr Atl and Nahui Ollin, Modotti and Weston's transgressive rooftop relationship was something of a public scandal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "public scandal", ensure that the context clearly establishes the widespread knowledge and disapproval of the event or situation. Provide sufficient details to highlight the reasons behind the outrage, and use credible sources to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact or scope of an event solely to create a "public scandal". Ensure the situation genuinely warrants widespread public disapproval before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public scandal" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, typically referring to an event or situation that has generated widespread public outrage or disapproval, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public scandal" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an event or situation that generates widespread public outrage or disapproval. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it is crucial to ensure the context warrants the strong negative connotation associated with a "public scandal". Consider alternatives like "major controversy" or "national disgrace" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the impact of a situation that has garnered public condemnation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scandalous affair

Highlights the scandalous nature of an event or relationship, emphasizing its impropriety.

national disgrace

Emphasizes the shame brought upon a nation due to a scandalous event.

shameful episode

Emphasizes the feeling of disgrace associated with a particular event.

major controversy

Highlights the widespread disagreement and debate surrounding an event.

notorious incident

Refers to an event widely known for its negative or scandalous qualities.

media frenzy

Focuses on the intense media attention and coverage of a scandalous event.

moral outrage

Stresses the widespread feeling of offense against moral principles.

political embarrassment

Refers to a scandal causing shame or awkwardness for a political entity.

social stigma

Highlights the disgrace and disapproval attached to a particular behavior or situation within society.

ethical lapse

Focuses on the failure to adhere to ethical standards, leading to public disapproval.

FAQs

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

You can use "public scandal" to describe a situation or event that has caused widespread outrage or condemnation. For example, "The politician's actions led to a major "public scandal".".

What's the difference between "public scandal" and "controversy"?

While both terms refer to situations that attract public attention, a "public scandal" implies a higher degree of moral outrage and condemnation than a simple "controversy", which may simply involve differing opinions.

What can I say instead of "public scandal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "national disgrace", "major controversy", or "media frenzy" to describe a similar situation.

Is "public scandal" a formal or informal term?

"Public scandal" is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the severity of the event it describes can influence the overall tone of the communication.