the general public
the general public — idiom
1. all the people who live in a particular area, country, or community, considered
all the people who live in a particular area, country, or community, considered as a whole group rather than as separate individuals.
The exhibition on ancient Egypt is open to the general public every Tuesday afternoon.
collocation: 'open to the general public'
Amani believes the new riverside park will benefit the general public of the entire city.
The mayor urged the general public to conserve water during the summer drought.
Esteban sent a letter to the local newspaper asking the general public to donate blankets for the shelter.
- the population
more neutral and statistical; focuses on people counted as inhabitants
- the community
more local and personal; emphasises shared living space
- society at large
more formal; emphasises the broad social structure
- the authorities
contrasts people in power with everyone else
- the government
contrasts the ruling body with ordinary citizens
文法句型
the general public + singular verb
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article 'the'. Although the phrase refers to a group of many people, it typically takes a singular verb in formal English.
常見錯誤
the general public — noun
1. people in general, considered as distinct from those who belong to a particular
people in general, considered as distinct from those who belong to a particular profession, expert community, or private organisation — such as doctors, scientists, or club members.
The scientist published her findings in a journal the general public can read for free.
collocation: 'the general public can read/access/understand'
Hoa explained the medical terms so the general public could understand the risks.
pattern: so + the general public + could + verb
The club gives members special benefits but keeps its restaurant open to the general public.
Samir thinks the new vaccine should be made available to the general public soon.
- ordinary people
more direct and informal; emphasises lack of special status
- the lay public
more formal; specifically contrasts with professionals or experts
- the populace
formal and somewhat literary; refers to all inhabitants of a place
- experts
direct contrast in terms of knowledge and training
- professionals
contrasts paid specialists with the wider population
- members
contrasts those who belong to an organisation with those who do not
文法句型
the general public + singular verb
用法筆記
Frequently used to draw a contrast between a specialised group (experts, members, officials) and everyone outside that group. Common after prepositions like 'to', 'for', and 'among'.