government official
Public authority
Use `government official` to respectfully describe someone with legal authority or a professional role in public administration.
En 15 secondes
- A person holding a position of authority within a government.
- Used in professional, legal, or journalistic contexts.
- Covers everyone from local council members to national leaders.
Signification
A person who works for the government or a public agency and has some level of authority. Think of them as the people who keep the city running, from local clerks to high-ranking leaders.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Reading a news report
A senior government official confirmed the new policy today.
A senior government official confirmed the new policy today.
Explaining a delay at the border
The government official at the border asked to see my permit.
The government official at the border asked to see my permit.
Discussing a friend's new job
Now that she's a government official, she has a lot more responsibility.
Now that she's a government official, she has a lot more responsibility.
Contexte culturel
The term reflects the Western democratic ideal of 'public service,' where working for the state is seen as serving the citizens. It became more standardized in the 19th century as professional bureaucracies replaced systems based on personal favors. In modern times, it often appears in headlines regarding ethics and transparency.
Be Specific if Possible
While `government official` is correct, using a specific title like `Senator` or `Inspector` shows even better English skills.
Don't Overuse in Casual Speech
If you call the mailman a `government official` during a chat, it might sound like you're being sarcastic or overly dramatic.
En 15 secondes
- A person holding a position of authority within a government.
- Used in professional, legal, or journalistic contexts.
- Covers everyone from local council members to national leaders.
What It Means
At its heart, a government official is someone who holds an office in a public capacity. This isn't just any employee. It usually implies they have some responsibility or power. They represent the state or the local council. They are the face of the rules we live by. From the person checking your passport to a city mayor, they all fit here.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to be precise. It sounds more professional than just saying 'government worker.' You can use it in the singular or plural. It often appears in news reports or serious discussions. If you are talking about someone's job title, you might use this as a category. For example, 'My cousin is a government official in the health department.' It sounds respectful and clear.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at the bank or a lawyer's office. It is perfect for formal emails or news stories. If you are traveling and need to describe who stopped you, this works well. It is great for academic writing or business meetings. Use it when you want to sound informed about how society works.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this at a casual BBQ with friends. If your friend works for the city, just say 'he works for the city.' Calling him a government official over a beer sounds a bit stiff. Don't use it for private company employees. A CEO of a tech firm is not a government official. Avoid it if you are trying to be very intimate or personal. It creates a bit of distance between people.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, this term carries a sense of duty. There is a long history of 'public service' being a noble path. However, people also joke about the 'red tape' these officials create. In the US and UK, there is a distinction between elected officials and career bureaucrats. Both are government officials, but one is voted in, and the other is hired.
Common Variations
You might hear public official used interchangeably. In the UK, you often hear civil servant for office-based roles. In the US, public servant is a warmer, more positive variation. If they are very high up, people might say high-ranking official. If they are local, you might hear city official. Each one changes the 'flavor' of the job slightly.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-frequency collocation in formal English. It is safe to use in any professional setting, but avoid it in very casual conversations unless you are being intentionally formal or humorous.
Be Specific if Possible
While `government official` is correct, using a specific title like `Senator` or `Inspector` shows even better English skills.
Don't Overuse in Casual Speech
If you call the mailman a `government official` during a chat, it might sound like you're being sarcastic or overly dramatic.
The 'Anonymous' Official
In US news, 'a senior official' is a secret code for someone very important who wants to share information without getting in trouble!
Exemples
6A senior government official confirmed the new policy today.
A senior government official confirmed the new policy today.
Commonly used in journalism to protect a source's specific identity.
The government official at the border asked to see my permit.
The government official at the border asked to see my permit.
Describes a person with specific legal power in a neutral way.
Now that she's a government official, she has a lot more responsibility.
Now that she's a government official, she has a lot more responsibility.
Adds a sense of importance to the friend's career change.
I've spoken to three different government officials and still have no permit!
I've spoken to three different government officials and still have no permit!
Expresses frustration with bureaucracy while remaining polite.
Look at you in that suit! You look like a high-ranking government official.
Look at you in that suit! You look like a high-ranking government official.
Uses the formal term to tease a friend about looking too serious.
I am writing to bring this matter to the attention of the relevant government official.
I am writing to bring this matter to the attention of the relevant government official.
Standard formal phrasing for official correspondence.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the professional sentence.
The ___ ___ refused to comment on the ongoing investigation.
`Government official` is the standard professional collocation for someone in this role.
Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.
You would most likely see the phrase 'government official' in a ___.
The phrase is formal and precise, making it a staple of journalism and news reporting.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Public Roles
City worker / State employee
My neighbor is a city worker.
Civil servant
She has been a civil servant for ten years.
Government official
The government official signed the treaty.
Where to find a Government Official
Passport Office
Processing your travel documents.
City Hall
Approving building permits.
Press Briefing
Speaking to the media.
International Summit
Negotiating with other countries.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsGenerally, no. While they are public employees, we don't usually call them officials unless they are in high-level administration.
An officer usually refers to police or military, while an official usually refers to administrative or political roles.
Yes! A local council member is still a government official, though you might say local official to be more precise.
No, it is a neutral, professional term. However, in political debates, it can sometimes sound cold or impersonal.
Only if it is part of a specific title at the start of a sentence. Usually, it is lowercase: The official arrived late.
It means the person has a lot of power or is near the top of the organization, like a Minister or a Director.
Not exactly. All politicians in office are government officials, but many officials are career professionals who don't run in elections.
Absolutely. You can say, 'We met with a French government official to discuss the trade deal.'
Public servant sounds more humble and positive. Government official sounds more formal and authoritative.
Simply add an 's' to the end: government officials. For example, The officials are meeting now.
Expressions liées
Civil servant (A person working in the public sector for a government department)
Public servant (A more emotional/positive term for government workers)
Bureaucrat (A neutral or sometimes negative term for an official who follows strict rules)
Dignitary (A person considered to be important because of high rank or office)
Office-holder (Someone who currently holds a position in government)
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