serving the public

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving the public" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts. For example, you might say: "The police officers take great pride in serving the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We should be serving the public".

The New York Times

It's a way of serving the public.

The New York Times

Serving the public is her goal.

The New York Times

And there's a real sense of serving the public good".

The New York Times

Serving a big audience is serving the public well".

The Guardian

Are these grander investigations best serving the public?

The Guardian - Opinion

Get Clarkson back, because that's the way you'll be serving the public.

Independent

Employees could comment on their experiences feeding and serving the public".

The New York Times

"Is he serving the public or is he aggrandizing himself?" he added, referring to Penn.

Independent

Is it a matter of doing their job and serving the public?

The Guardian - Film

Serving the public is high on our agenda otherwise we wouldn't get people back.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "public service" or "working for the public good" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "This policy is aimed at serving the public", specify which segment of the public benefits and how. Be concrete to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serving the public" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes an activity or role focused on benefiting the community. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears in various contexts to denote the act of providing a service.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serving the public" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe actions that benefit the community. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage in contexts such as news and media, formal business communications, and scientific publications. While the phrase generally carries a neutral tone suitable for formal settings, it is crucial to specify which segment of the public is being served to avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases, such as "public service" and "working for the public good", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a perfectly valid and useful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public service

Noun phrase that refers to work done for the benefit of the community or general public, often by government employees or non-profit organizations. It's a more concise way to describe the act of serving the public.

working for the public good

Emphasizes the positive impact of one's actions on society, focusing on the overall welfare and benefit to all members of the community.

meeting public needs

Focuses on addressing and satisfying the requirements and demands of the population. It directly addresses practical aspects of service.

acting in the public interest

Highlights decisions and actions that prioritize the welfare and benefit of the entire community over individual or private gains.

committing to public duty

Emphasizes the dedication and responsibility associated with serving the public, often implying a sense of obligation and commitment.

dedication to the community

Emphasizes the commitment and effort put towards improving the lives and well-being of the local population.

aiding the community

Focuses on providing assistance and support to the local population, especially during times of need or crisis.

furthering community welfare

Highlights actions and initiatives that contribute to the overall health, happiness, and prosperity of the community.

advancing social well-being

Emphasizes the improvement of societal conditions and the promotion of equitable opportunities for all members of the community.

bettering the community

A more direct expression of improving the overall quality of life and conditions within the community.

FAQs

How can I use "serving the public" in a sentence?

You can use "serving the public" to describe actions or roles that benefit the community, like, "The fire department is dedicated to "serving the public"" or "As a nurse, she sees "serving the public" as her primary duty."

What are some alternatives to "serving the public"?

Alternatives include phrases like "public service", "working for the public good", or "acting in the public interest". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "serve the public" or "serving the public"?

Both are correct but have slightly different usages. "Serve the public" is an imperative or infinitive form, often used as a call to action. "Serving the public" is a gerund phrase, typically used to describe an ongoing activity or role. For example: "We must serve the public" versus "His career is dedicated to serving the public".

What does it mean to act in the public interest versus "serving the public"?

Acting in the public interest implies making decisions or taking actions that benefit the entire community, while "serving the public" is a broader term that encompasses various activities aimed at helping or supporting the public. The first focuses on decisions, while the second focuses on the provision of support.