society at large

USAGE SUMMARY

"society at large" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the entire population of a country, city, or other geographical area. For example, "The consequences of this decision will affect society at large."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

'In society at large.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's a squeamishness in society at large.

The Guardian - Sport

Eventually, it always affects society at large.

The New York Times

This phenomenon threatens the organization, stakeholders and society at large.

Decision Support Systems

Some commentators have blamed modern society at large.

The New York Times

These recommendations serve society at large, not just one segment.

The New York Times

His view of Brazilian society at large is less rosy.

Independent

Investing in education means investing in society at large.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"For society at-large to get the benefits of AI, we first have to trust it".

TechCrunch

2. "Make sure you insert yourself into society-at-large.

Huffington Post

And what does it mean for society at large?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "society at large" when you want to emphasize the broad impact of an action, event, or policy on the entire population. It's particularly effective in discussions about social responsibility, public health, and ethical considerations.

Common error

While "society at large" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual or informal writing. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "the public" or "the community" may sound more natural and less formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "society at large" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the entire population or a broad segment of a community. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "society at large" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that denotes the general population or community. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples from varied sources like news, science and academia. It functions as a noun phrase, often highlighting the broad impact of actions or policies. While suitable for neutral and formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. As confirmed by Ludwig, "society at large" serves as a valuable tool for emphasizing collective responsibility and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the general public

Focuses on the public as a whole, often in the context of news or announcements.

the population at large

Highlights the demographic aspect, useful when discussing statistics or public health.

the community as a whole

Emphasizes the communal aspect, suitable when discussing local issues or shared values.

the public sphere

Implies a space for public discourse and engagement, often used in political or academic contexts.

the body politic

Refers to the political entity of a state or nation, often used in formal or historical discussions.

the world at large

Expands the scope to encompass the entire global community.

the human race

Focuses on humanity as a single species, often in philosophical or ethical contexts.

the global community

Highlights the interconnectedness of people worldwide, often used in discussions of international issues.

the nation as a whole

Centers on the national identity and collective interests of a country.

all members of society

Stresses inclusivity and equality within a community.

FAQs

How can I use "society at large" in a sentence?

You can use "society at large" to refer to the general population or community. For example, "The new law is expected to benefit "society at large"."

What's the difference between "society at large" and "the general public"?

"Society at large" and "the general public" are often used interchangeably, but "society at large" can sometimes imply a more comprehensive view, encompassing all aspects of a community, while "the general public" might refer more specifically to the population accessible or affected by certain information or events.

Are there more formal or informal alternatives to "society at large"?

For a more formal tone, you might use "the population as a whole" or "the body politic". In informal contexts, consider using "the community" or "the public".

Is it correct to say "society in general" instead of "society at large"?

Yes, "society in general" is a valid and often more common alternative to "society at large". Both phrases convey a similar meaning of referring to the overall community or population. You can check the definition of "society in general" to further compare usages.