What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
public
Example
The public library is open to everyone. [public: adjective]
Example
The government is responsible for providing public education. [public: adjective]
Example
The mayor gave a speech to the public about the new policies. [public: noun]
general
Example
There is a general consensus on the importance of education. [general: adjective]
Example
The professor gave a general overview of the course content. [general: adjective]
Example
Can you give me a general idea of what the project is about? [general: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
General is more commonly used than public in everyday language. General is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while public is more specific and often used in the context of government or state-owned institutions or services.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between public and general?
Both public and general can be used in formal and informal contexts, but public may be more formal due to its association with government or state-owned institutions or services.
