public transportation

USAGE SUMMARY

"public transportation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to transportation available to the public which is not owned by a particular individual, such as buses, trains, and subways. For example, "The city has a robust public transportation system that makes it easy to get around without relying on a car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No public transportation?

The New York Times

Public transportation hardly functioned.

The New York Times

Public transportation remains limited.

The New Yorker

Public transportation has improved.

The New York Times

Public transportation is for losers.

The New Yorker

Public transportation is easily accessible.

The New York Times

Apparently, it is public transportation.

The New Yorker

• I could use public transportation.

The New York Times

Public transportation in torrential downpour?

The New Yorker

Public transportation is not working.

The New Yorker

"There is public transportation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public transportation" to describe systems accessible to everyone, distinguishing it from private or chartered transport options.

Common error

Avoid using "public transportation" when referring to services that require individual payment or membership, such as taxis or ride-sharing services. Clarify the distinction to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public transportation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a system or service, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it is modified by adjectives like "limited" or used in constructions like "depend on public transportation". Ludwig AI confirms it's used in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public transportation" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase referring to systems designed for collective movement of people. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in written English, and its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and everyday conversations. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science sources. When writing about transportation, remember to differentiate it from private options and emphasize its benefits in reducing emissions. Consider related terms like "mass transit" or "community transportation" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public transit

A shorter, more common synonym for public transportation.

mass transit

Emphasizes the large-scale movement of people.

urban transportation

Highlights transportation within a city or urban area.

municipal transport

Specifically refers to transportation services provided by a municipality.

communal transport

Stresses the shared or collective aspect of the service.

shared mobility

Focuses on the shared nature of the transportation resource.

local transportation

Focuses on transportation within a limited geographic area.

community transportation

Highlights the role in serving a specific community.

bus and train services

Specifies the common types of public transportation.

accessible transportation

Emphasizes the availability and ease of use for all individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "public transportation" to describe various modes of transport available to the public, such as "The city invested in improving its "public transportation" system to reduce traffic congestion".

What are some alternatives to saying "public transportation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "mass transit", "public transit", or "community transportation".

Is there a difference between "public transportation" and "mass transit"?

While often used interchangeably, ""public transportation"" generally refers to all transport systems available for public use, whereas "mass transit" specifically implies systems designed to move large numbers of people.

How does using "public transportation" benefit the environment?

Choosing "public transportation" over private vehicles can significantly reduce carbon emissions, decrease traffic congestion, and improve air quality in urban areas.