the community at large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the community at large" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the entire community or the general public, often in discussions about social issues or collective interests. Example: "The new policy will benefit the community at large by improving access to public services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All represent the community at large.

The New York Times

They have involved the community at large as well.

The New Yorker

What do they have to offer the community at large?

The New York Times

But this example doesn't fly, because Islamic hate speech is supported by the community at large.

The New York Times

Within the community at large, numerous strangers benefitted from his anonymously-given aid.

The New York Times

His passing leaves a large void in both the medical community and the community at large.

The New York Times

The basement of St. Anthony's, once an auxiliary church, now serves the community at large.

The New York Times

(Her optimism did not seem to be shared by the community at large.

The New Yorker

"We're extremely grateful to Edison residents and the community at large".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Recruitment to the community at-large involved print media, presentations to community groups, and print media.

BMC Geriatrics

Putting students into the community-at-large is today called "service-learning".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "the community at large" can add a sense of gravity and importance to the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "the community at large" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "everyone" or "the public" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the community at large" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. It refers to the population as a whole, indicating that something affects or involves everyone, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the community at large" is a noun phrase used to refer to the general public or the entire population. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. It conveys the widespread impact of something affecting everyone. While it's versatile, it is best suited for formal and neutral registers, as simpler phrases may be more appropriate for casual settings. Related phrases include "the general public" and "society as a whole".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the general public

Focuses on the public nature and accessibility to everyone.

the wider community

Emphasizes the extended reach and inclusivity of the group.

society as a whole

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the entire societal structure.

the population at large

Focuses on the demographic aspect, referring to a large segment of the population.

the broader population

Similar to "the population at large" but emphasizes the extent of the group.

the collective

Highlights the group as a single entity acting together.

the body politic

A more formal term referring to the people of a nation or state, considered as a unified group.

the citizenry

Refers specifically to the citizens of a particular place.

the people

A simple and direct way to refer to the general population.

everyone

A very general term emphasizing inclusivity and universal reach.

FAQs

How can I use "the community at large" in a sentence?

Use "the community at large" to refer to the general public or a wide group of people affected by something. For example: "The new park will benefit "the community at large"."

What's a simpler way to say "the community at large"?

You can use phrases like "the general public", "everyone", or "the wider community" as simpler alternatives. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "the community at large" formal or informal?

"The community at large" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, it's better to use more casual alternatives such as "everyone" or "the public".

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

While similar, "the community at large" emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, whereas "the general public" focuses on the broad accessibility to all people.