the population at large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the population at large" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the general public or the majority of people within a specific area or context. Example: "The study aims to understand the health behaviors of the population at large, not just specific demographics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Under-diagnosed, in the population at large.

The Guardian - Books

I am talking about the population at large.

Columbia University

Now it seems broadly true among the population at large.

The New York Times

They ask that economic and trade policies benefit the population at large.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mam, meanwhile, has 17% backing among party sympathisers, and only 9% among the population at large.

The Guardian

In the United States, she said, the Internet population more closely resembles the population at large.

The New York Times

The rate of unemployment in the trans community is double that of the population at large.

The New Yorker

This holds across all age groups, and it's matches attitudes in the population at large.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prosecutors in Mr. Muhammad's case argued that he had sought to terrorize the population at large.

The New York Times

"The new money doesn't want to separate itself from the population at large," Mr. D'Souza said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unfortunately the population at large will not accept the pricing of environmental damage into our economies.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the population at large", ensure the context clearly defines the specific group you are referring to. For instance, specify 'the population at large in the United States' for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the population at large" when referring to specific subgroups. Instead, directly name the group, such as 'adolescents' or 'senior citizens'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the population at large" functions as a noun phrase, referring to the general public or the majority of people within a given area or context. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, appearing frequently across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the population at large" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the general public or a broad segment of people within a specified context. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including news, academia, and general discussions. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "the general public", it remains accessible and widely understood. To ensure clarity, it's best to define the scope (e.g., 'the population at large in Europe') and avoid using it when referring to specific subgroups. Common errors to avoid include overgeneralization and ambiguous references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the people at large

Slightly different wording, but conveys the same meaning.

the general public

Focuses on the public nature of the group.

the entire populace

Emphasizes inclusivity and completeness of the population.

the wider community

Emphasizes the communal aspect of the group.

the majority of people

Highlights the numerical dominance of the group.

the citizenry

Stresses the civic status of the group.

the body politic

Emphasizes the collective political entity.

the masses

Highlights the large size and often less privileged status of the group.

the rank and file

Suggests the ordinary members of a group or organization.

the commonalty

An archaic term for the common people.

FAQs

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

Use "the population at large" to refer to the general public or a broad group of people. For example: "The new policy is expected to affect "the population at large"."

What's a good alternative to "the population at large"?

Consider using phrases like "the general public", "the wider community", or "the majority of people" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "the population at large" or "the general public"?

"The population at large" is slightly more formal than "the general public", but both are suitable for most formal writing. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "the population at large"?

Avoid using "the population at large" if you are discussing a specific, well-defined subgroup. In those cases, it is better to name the specific group (e.g., "teachers", "students", "residents").