substantial public interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial public interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing matters that are significant or important to the general public, often in legal, political, or social discussions. Example: "The proposed legislation was introduced due to substantial public interest in environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Tories The Regulator should hear complaints from affected groups where there is a "substantial" public interest.

The Guardian

The Tories wanted to allow group complaints where there was a "substantial" public interest.

The Guardian

The documents were released after the Information Tribunal ruled (pdf) that disclosure was in the "substantial public interest".

The Guardian

We understand this is a private litigation, but there's a substantial public interest: healing the wounds from the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history".

The New York Times

Under its rules, Ipso may consider such complaints if "an alleged breach of the editors' code is significant" and there is a "substantial public interest" for doing so.

The Guardian

In the case of third party complaints it is required only where the alleged breaches are significant and there is a substantial public interest in the self-regulator giving formal consideration to the complaints.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A very strong public interest would be required; our intuition is that a duty to create would only be feasible in cases of epidemics presenting substantial immediate risk to public health.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

For example, malaria clinical trials such as intermittent preventive therapy (IPT), of substantial public health interest, would need to have drug resistance marker assessments reported simultaneously to be considered high priority for publication.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The findings indicate that successful initiatives are those which are able to draw upon substantial local public interest and trust in the new technology, and which manage to combine financial attractiveness with environmental concerns.

Applied Energy

"We have always accepted that Pamela Somerville was injured whilst in our care and I want to apologise again to her for the way she was treated … "We acknowledge that there has been substantial media coverage and public interest in this case and that the images on the custody CCTV will have had an impact on the force and those who work within it.

The Guardian

A Denver judge blocked Colorado's first school voucher program in August, calling it a "substantial disservice to the public interest," and a local school board election was fought among pro- and anti-voucher candidates.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or ethical matters, use "substantial public interest" to justify the disclosure of information or actions that might otherwise be considered private or confidential.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial public interest" as a generic justification. Ensure there is a genuine and demonstrable reason why the matter is of significant concern to the public, not just a perceived one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial public interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies "public interest". It is often used to describe a situation or topic that is significantly relevant and important to the general population, justifying certain actions or disclosures. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial public interest" is a phrase used to describe matters of significant importance to the general public. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts, notably news, science, and formal settings. While not overwhelmingly frequent, it serves to justify actions or disclosures by highlighting their relevance to the broader population. Related phrases include "significant public concern" and "considerable public attention". When using this phrase, ensure genuine and demonstrable public relevance, avoiding overuse as a generic justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant public concern

Replaces "substantial interest" with "significant concern", shifting the focus to worry or unease among the public.

considerable public attention

Substitutes "interest" with "attention", highlighting the degree to which the public is focused on a particular matter.

major public issue

Replaces "interest" with "issue", framing the topic as a significant problem or point of discussion for the public.

widespread public awareness

Emphasizes the extent to which the public is informed or conscious of a particular subject, instead of their "interest" in it.

notable public demand

Highlights strong public desire or need for something, instead of their general "interest".

marked public enthusiasm

Focuses on the high level of excitement or eagerness among the public regarding a particular topic or event.

significant public impact

Shifts the focus to the important effect or influence something has on the general public.

pronounced public reaction

Highlights the strong response or feedback from the public regarding a specific issue or event.

broad public support

Focuses on the wide approval or endorsement from the public regarding a particular cause or policy.

keen public engagement

Emphasizes the high level of public involvement or participation in a particular activity or issue.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial public interest" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial public interest" to justify actions or disclosures when the well-being or understanding of the general public is significantly affected. For example, "The documents were released due to "substantial public interest"".

What is a good alternative to "substantial public interest"?

Alternatives include "significant public concern", "considerable public attention", or "major public issue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is something considered to be of "substantial public interest"?

Something is of "substantial public interest" when it affects a significant portion of the population, involves public funds, raises serious ethical concerns, or has the potential to influence public policy.

Is there a legal definition of "substantial public interest"?

The definition of "substantial public interest" varies depending on the legal context. Generally, it refers to matters that affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of the public, justifying actions that might otherwise be restricted.