the populace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the populace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the general population or the people living in a particular area, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The government must consider the needs and opinions of the populace when making policy decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They had massacred the populace.

The New York Times

Or among the populace?

The Guardian

The populace was bullish on normalcy.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said: "They know the populace.

The New York Times

One size for all the populace.

The New York Times - Sports

Ultimately, the populace – and healthcare workers – suffered.

The Guardian

The authorities can intrude on the populace.

The Guardian

These attitudes have spread deep within the populace.

The New York Times

The populace was outraged, and the government backed down.

The New York Times

And the populace feels angry and hopeless about the future.

The New York Times

If these have worked, the populace has not noticed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the populace", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the formal tone often associated with this phrase. In many cases, using simpler terms like "the people" or "the public" can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the populace" in casual or informal writing. Its formal nature can sound stilted or out of place in everyday conversations or less formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the populace" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the general population or inhabitants of a particular place. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the populace" is a noun phrase used to refer to the general population of a place, often in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in English. While it's a common term, especially in news and media, it's important to consider the tone and avoid using it in overly casual situations. Alternatives such as "the people" or "the public" might be more appropriate in informal settings. With a source quality score of 81 and an expert rating of 4.5, "the populace" is a reliable and widely recognized term for referring to a group of people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the population

A more statistical and demographic term for all the people living in a given area.

the people

A simple and direct term for a group of individuals living in a specific place.

the general public

Focuses on accessibility and shared resources or knowledge among all people.

the common people

Emphasizes the ordinary or working-class members of society.

the citizenry

Highlights the rights and responsibilities associated with being a citizen of a particular place.

ordinary citizens

Highlights the everyday role and experiences of individuals within a society.

the inhabitants

Emphasizes the act of living or residing in a particular place.

the community

Stresses the sense of shared values, interests, and mutual support among a group of people.

the masses

Often used to describe a large, undifferentiated group of people, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

the body politic

A more formal and philosophical term for the collective group of citizens within a state.

FAQs

How can I use "the populace" in a sentence?

Use "the populace" to refer to the general population of a place. For example, "The new law was unpopular with "the populace"." It's often used in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "the populace"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the people", "the public", "the community", or "the population".

Is "the populace" a formal or informal term?

"The populace" is generally considered a formal term. In more casual contexts, "the people" or "the public" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the populace" and "the population"?

While both refer to a group of people, "the populace" often carries a connotation of a general public with shared interests or concerns. "The population" is a more neutral, statistical term for all the inhabitants of a place.