public
Public refers to things that are provided for the use of all people or belong to the community rather than a private person. It also describes information or events that are not secret and can be seen or known by anyone.
Examples
3 of 5The public park is a great place to walk the dog.
The park that everyone can use is a good place for walking the dog.
The minister made a public statement regarding the new education law.
The official gave a speech to the whole community about the new law.
I really don't like to argue in public.
I do not like to have an argument where other people can see me.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Pub'—it is short for 'Public House', a place where everyone in the community is welcome to meet.
Quick Quiz
He was embarrassed because his phone started ringing loudly in ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: public
Examples
The public park is a great place to walk the dog.
everydayThe park that everyone can use is a good place for walking the dog.
The minister made a public statement regarding the new education law.
formalThe official gave a speech to the whole community about the new law.
I really don't like to argue in public.
informalI do not like to have an argument where other people can see me.
Access to public health data is vital for sociological research.
academicGetting information about the health of the general population is important for study.
The company decided to go public last year.
businessThe business started selling its shares to the general community last year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in public
In a place where other people can see or hear you
the general public
All the ordinary people in a country or area
public eye
The state of being famous and watched by the media
Often Confused With
'Public' is an adjective describing things for everyone, while 'publication' is the noun for a printed book or magazine.
Usage Notes
Use 'public' to describe services provided by the government (like public schools). When used as a noun 'the public', it can take either a singular or plural verb in British English, but usually a singular verb in American English.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'in the public' when they mean 'in public'. Another mistake is using 'public' when they mean 'famous'; use 'well-known' instead for people.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Pub'—it is short for 'Public House', a place where everyone in the community is welcome to meet.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'publicus', which comes from 'populus', meaning 'the people'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, public spaces like squares and parks are the heart of social life where people from all backgrounds mingle.
Quick Quiz
He was embarrassed because his phone started ringing loudly in ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: public
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situati...
stateA state is the condition that someone or something is in at...
societySociety refers to a large group of people living together in...
communityA community is a group of people who live in the same area o...
governmentThe group of people with the authority to rule a country or...
More society words
infrastructure
B2Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities, such as buildings, roads, power supplies, and internet networks, needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. It acts as the underlying foundation that allows a city or company to function efficiently.
exploit
B2To make full use of and derive benefit from a resource or opportunity. It can also mean to treat someone unfairly by benefiting from their work or vulnerability without providing adequate compensation.
legitimate
B2Describes something that is allowed by law or follows established rules and regulations. It can also refer to something that is reasonable, valid, or justifiable in a particular context.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free