Describe places and events open to people generally.

The idea

Public describes something available to people generally; open to the public means people may enter.

Examples

  • The public garden opens at sunrise.
  • We met at the public library.
  • The beach is open to the public.
  • Please keep public paths clear.
  • The meeting is public, so anyone may attend.
  • They displayed the painting in a public space.

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Watch out

Public does not necessarily mean free: an entrance fee or rules may still apply.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct answer. The park welcomes everyone: it is a ___ park. (public / private)

    Show answer or example answer

    public

    Public fits a park open to everyone.

  2. Choose the correct answer. Anyone can attend the town meeting: it is ___. (public / private)

    Show answer or example answer

    public

    Public describes the open meeting.

  3. Choose the correct answer. A museum is open to the public. Must entry be free? (yes / no)

    Show answer or example answer

    no

    No is correct: access may still involve a fee.

Use it today

Describe a shared place and an event open to everyone.