publicity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "publicity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the public promotion or awareness of an event, a product, or a cause. For example: The company launched an extensive publicity campaign to raise awareness of their new product.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labour did benefit from a publicity campaign by the public service union, Unison, which spent £770,000 on promoting the cause for more funding for the NHS and other services, which would have helped Labour during the campaign at the expense of the Tories.

The Guardian

In the 1990s, Nike's sweatshops weren't the worst in the business, but they're the ones that got the negative publicity.

The New York Times

It's also been used as a publicity stunt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

It has been dubbed an "epic fail" and the biggest screw-up in reality TV history – and left some wondering if it wasn't all just a publicity stunt.

The Guardian

Thanks in part to the publicity surrounding the Rana Plaza disaster, we can at least imagine the men and women who sew them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Considering his backstory, though, this kind of publicity may not be too harmful.

The Guardian - Music

I think publicity wise it was an excellent move and I think he will have gained a lot of respect for this".

The Guardian

I grew up in the UK and didn't know what Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams' voice sounded like until 1994 because Margaret Thatcher decided that a voice ban, imposed in 1988, would "deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity".

The Guardian - Opinion

"If anything their publicity stunt, if that's what it is, has worked out well for us because it's got people talking about it.

The Guardian

The publicity goes on to urge "citizens of the UK and the world" to help the people of Britain "send a message to the world".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for positive outcomes, carefully manage "publicity" by proactively shaping the narrative. Respond quickly and transparently to any negative coverage to mitigate potential damage.

Common error

Don't assume that any "publicity" is good "publicity". Unlike advertising, which you control directly, "publicity" can be either positive or negative, so be prepared to manage the message.

Linguistic Context

The noun "publicity" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting the activity of attracting public attention or the public attention itself. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "publicity" is a noun referring to activities designed to attract public interest or the public attention itself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently employed in news and media contexts, as well as formal business settings, and serves to inform, persuade, or raise awareness. While generally neutral in tone, managing "publicity" is crucial, as it can be either positive or negative. Understanding its nuances and related terms like "media coverage" or "brand awareness" is key to effective communication and reputation management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public attention

Focuses on the state of being noticed by the public, rather than the act of promoting.

media coverage

Specifically refers to the attention received through news outlets.

press exposure

Highlights the aspect of being featured in newspapers and magazines.

brand awareness

Emphasizes recognition of a product or company.

promotional activity

Focuses on actions taken to advertise or market something.

advertising campaign

Refers to a structured effort to promote a product or service.

hype

Implies an exaggerated or sensationalized form of promotion.

word of mouth

Highlights informal communication between people.

outreach

Focuses on efforts to connect with a specific audience.

image building

Emphasizes the creation of a positive public perception.

FAQs

How can I use "publicity" in a sentence?

You can use "publicity" to describe activities designed to attract public interest or the public interest itself. For example, "The event generated a lot of "publicity"" or "The company needs more "publicity" to increase sales".

What are some synonyms for "publicity"?

Some synonyms for "publicity" include "advertising", "promotion", "media coverage", and "press attention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "publicity" and advertising?

"Publicity" is information from an outside source used by the media, while advertising is paid promotion initiated by a company. "Publicity" is seen as more credible, while advertising allows more control over the message.

Can "publicity" be negative?

Yes, "publicity" can be negative. Negative "publicity", often resulting from scandals or controversies, can damage a company's reputation or an individual's career. Effective crisis management is essential to mitigate the effects of negative "publicity".