the public
the public — noun
1. ordinary people in a country or community, considered as a single group rather t
ordinary people in a country or community, considered as a single group rather than as separate individuals — often contrasted with officials, experts, or private businesses.
The city council asked the public for feedback on the new bike-lane proposal before deciding.
verb pattern: ask the public for + [something]
Rin stopped members of the public on the street to ask about their recycling habits.
collocation: members of the public
After the factory explosion, the public demanded to see the safety inspection records.
The mayor's plan to cut bus routes failed to convince the public it was wise.
When the dairy company recalled the milk, the public wanted clear answers from health officials.
- the people
broader term, can refer to citizens of a nation or inhabitants of a place
- the community
more local in scope; refers to people living in a particular area
- the general public
emphasises that everyone is included, not just a specific group
- the populace
more formal; refers to all the people of a country or region
- the government
the ruling body, as opposed to ordinary citizens
- the private sector
businesses and companies, not the general population
文法句型
the + public
the public + singular/plural verb
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article 'the'. In American English it is usually treated as a singular noun (the public is…), while in British English it may be treated as singular or plural (the public are…).