public sector

USAGE SUMMARY

'public sector' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any organization or service that is run by the government - such as a school or a hospital. For example: "My sister works in the public sector as a nurse at a local hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The public sector grew fast.

The Economist

Or reforming the public sector?

The Economist

"The whole public sector apparatus is paralysed.

The Economist

Pay rises for public sector workers.

The Guardian

Huge cuts to the public sector.

Independent

Yet the public sector is also critical.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Public-sector job cuts?

The Economist

Public-sector accounting is Enronesque.

The Economist

They represent public-sector workers.

The New York Times

Public-sector finances are shaky.

The Economist

(The balance came from public-sector demand).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic impacts, clarify which specific parts of the "public sector" are being referenced (e.g., healthcare, education, infrastructure) to provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "public sector" as a monolithic entity; different departments and agencies operate with varying degrees of efficiency and autonomy. Acknowledge those variations to avoid misleading statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public sector" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig shows its use in describing areas under governmental control, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public sector" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe governmental and state-controlled entities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, the phrase serves to identify organizations and services under government jurisdiction. When using the term, consider specifying which areas within the "public sector" are relevant to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives include "government domain" and "state-run entities". With an expert rating of 4.5, its usage is consistent and authoritative, making it essential for discussing government operations and policy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state-run entities

Specifically highlights the entities managed and operated by the state.

state-controlled institutions

Emphasizes the control exerted by the state over these institutions.

government domain

Refers to the sphere of activity under government control; broader scope than specific sectors.

government apparatus

Implies a complex structure of government operations.

public administration

Similar to 'state administration', focusing on the management aspect.

state administration

Highlights the administrative functions carried out by the state.

public services industry

Focuses on the industry aspect of delivering public services.

governmental services

Focuses on the services provided by the government, not the organizational structure.

government-funded programs

Highlights the financial aspect of public sector initiatives.

civil service

Emphasizes the employees and administrative system of the government.

FAQs

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

You can use "public sector" to describe industries or services provided or funded by the government. For example: "Pay rises for "public sector" workers".

What is an alternative to saying "public sector"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "government domain", "state-run entities", or "governmental services".

Which is correct, "public sector" or "private sector"?

"Public sector" refers to government-controlled entities, while "private sector" refers to businesses owned by individuals or organizations, and not the government. Both are correct, but they describe different concepts.

What's the difference between "public sector" and "public service"?

"Public sector" is an umbrella term for all government-run organizations, whereas "public service" refers to the services those organizations provide.