"people" vs "the public"

Question

"people" vs "the public"

Both 'people' and 'the public' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'People' is a general term referring to individuals in society, while 'the public' is a more formal term often used in the context of government, media, or public opinion.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

The term 'people' is a general term used to refer to individuals in society. It is a common and informal way to talk about a group of individuals.

Examples:

The people in the room were discussing the issue.
People are generally good at heart.
The people of the town gathered for the event.

Alternatives:

individuals
citizens
population
folks
residents

'The public' is a more formal term used to refer to the general population or society as a whole. It is commonly used in contexts related to government, media, or public opinion.

Examples:

The public has the right to know about government decisions.
The company's actions were criticized by the public.
The public opinion on the matter was divided.

Alternatives:

the populace
the community
the citizens
the society
the population

Answer 1

people

The term 'people' is a commonly used and correct word in English to refer to individuals in society.

Answer 2

the public

The term 'the public' is a correct phrase in English, often used in formal contexts such as government, media, or public opinion.