public service

USAGE SUMMARY

"public service" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone serving the public, or to a program or activity that helps the public. For example: "She dedicated her life to public service, working with children in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's a public service".

The New Yorker

For public service.

Independent

How's that for public service?

The New York Times

It's not a public service.

The New York Times - Sports

For voluntary and public service.

Independent

"I call it public service".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Public-service cuts.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Fashion advertisements are not public-service announcements).

The New Yorker

TVes is supposedly a public-service station.

The Economist

The big idea is public-service "guarantees".

The Economist

A knighthood for 'public service'?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "public service", ensure the context clearly defines whether you are referring to a specific job, a government function, or a broader concept of contributing to the well-being of society.

Common error

Avoid using "public service" to describe actions that are primarily self-promotional or designed to generate positive publicity, rather than genuinely benefiting the public. Genuine public service should prioritize the needs of the community.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public service" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a service provided for the benefit of the public. It is often used to describe occupations or activities that contribute to the well-being of a community or nation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public service" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to services that benefit the public. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and diverse applications. It appears frequently in news, formal business contexts and encyclopedias, highlighting activities or professions dedicated to the common good. While alternatives like "community service" or "civil service" exist, the specific context determines the best choice. When using the phrase, be mindful of differentiating genuine contributions from mere publicity efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

community service

Focuses on service within a local community, a more specific application of public service.

civil service

Refers specifically to government employment, a more structured form of public service.

government service

Highlights the role of government in providing the service.

service to the public

Rephrases the concept by emphasizing the action of serving.

dedication to public welfare

Shifts the focus to the intention behind the service.

contribution to the common good

Emphasizes the positive impact on society.

serving the community

Focuses on the act of helping a group of people.

civic duty

Highlights the obligation aspect of serving the public.

social responsibility

Emphasizes the ethical commitment to society.

public sector work

Specifically refers to employment within the public sector.

FAQs

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

You can use "public service" to describe work done for the benefit of the community, such as "She dedicated her life to "public service" as a teacher".

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

"Public service" is a broader term that includes any service provided to the public, often by the government. "Community service" is typically unpaid work done to benefit a local community.

What are some examples of jobs in "public service"?

Examples of jobs in "public service" include teachers, police officers, firefighters, social workers, and government officials.

Is "public service" always associated with government?

While often associated with government jobs and initiatives, "public service" can also refer to work done by non-profit organizations or individuals that benefits the public.