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Prepositions with nouns

Public with prepositions

Public usually appears with an article in phrases such as for the public or open to the public.

Quick answer

Which phrases are natural?

For the public and to the public are common expressions. Of the public is possible in formal contexts, such as opinion of the public, but not usually alone. Public normally needs the article the when it means ordinary people.

The museum is open to the public.
The report was released for the public to read.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
to the public

Making something accessible

Use to the public after adjectives like open or available.

The records are available to the public online.
2
for the public

Showing intended audience or benefit

For the public refers to ordinary people as users or beneficiaries.

The city built new parks for the public.
3
opinion of the public

Expressing relationship or possession

Of the public usually follows another noun.

The survey measured the opinion of the public.
4
in public

Referring to public settings

In public means where other people can see or hear.

He dislikes speaking in public.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of public
the trust of the public
relationship involving the public; usually needs the article
to public
The information was released to the public.
directed toward or accessible by the public
for public
services for the public
intended for ordinary people
in public
She rarely sings in public.
in a public setting

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Omitting the article the

Public as a noun usually takes the.

✕ open to public ✓ open to the public

Using of public alone

Of the public normally follows another noun.

✕ The policy concerns of public. ✓ The policy concerns the public.

Confusing to the public and for the public

To often means accessible; for means intended benefit.

✕ This building is for the public every weekend. ✓ This building is open to the public every weekend.

Using public without context

Public can also be an adjective, so structure matters.

✕ a public for children ✓ a service for the public

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The exhibition is open ___ every day.
2. The campaign created new resources ___.
3. The survey measured the trust ___ government institutions.

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Frequently asked questions

Do we say to public or to the public?

To the public is the standard form.

Can public be used without the?

Yes, when public is an adjective, but as a noun meaning ordinary people it usually needs the.

What does in public mean?

It means in a place or situation where other people can see or hear you.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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