public servant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'public servant' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a noun to refer to someone who works in the public sector, such as a government employee or civil servant. For example: "My father worked as a public servant for over 30 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Public Servant.

The New York Times

He is a genuine public servant".

The New York Times

A public servant?

The Guardian - Music

As a public servant?

The Guardian

A dedicated public servant.

The Guardian

I see myself as a public servant.

The Guardian

He is an extremely accomplished public servant".

The New Yorker

"I'm a public servant," he said.

The New York Times

A very dedicated public servant".

The Guardian

a good public servant". App.

Cornell University

Every public servant has to start somewhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals in government roles, use "public servant" to convey a sense of duty and commitment to the welfare of the community.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or technical language when describing the role of a "public servant". Clarity and accessibility are key to effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public servant" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a common noun, designating a person who holds a position in the government or public sector. As Ludwig AI indicates, it generally denotes someone employed to serve the public.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "public servant" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe individuals employed by the government or working in service to the public. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in "News & Media" and "Academia", indicating a neutral to professional register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "civil servant" or "government employee", depending on the specific context. Remember that using overly technical or jargon-heavy language can hinder communication, so strive for clarity when discussing the role of a "public servant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

civil servant

This alternative is a more specific term, referring to those employed in the civil administration of a government.

government employee

This alternative directly indicates employment by a governmental entity.

government worker

This alternative is a straightforward term for someone employed by the government.

state employee

This alternative specifies employment by a state government.

public official

This alternative suggests a higher-ranking position within the government.

public worker

This alternative encompasses a broader range of jobs in the public sector, including manual labor.

servant of the people

This alternative emphasizes the dedication and responsibility towards the citizens.

career politician

This alternative implies a long-term commitment to public service through elected office.

elected official

This alternative signifies a position gained through popular vote.

official

This alternative is a generic term that can apply to various positions in both public and private sectors.

FAQs

How do I use "public servant" in a sentence?

You can use "public servant" to describe someone who works for the government or in a public role. For example, "She dedicated her life to being a "public servant"".

What are some alternatives to "public servant"?

Some alternatives include "civil servant", "government employee", or "state employee", depending on the specific context.

Is "public servant" a formal term?

"Public servant" is a neutral to formal term. While appropriate in official contexts, you might opt for a simpler term like "government worker" in informal settings.

What qualities are associated with being a "public servant"?

The term "public servant" often implies qualities such as dedication, integrity, and a commitment to serving the public good.