in public

Meaning

This phrase means in a place where other people are present and can see or hear you, rather than in private. It refers to open, shared social spaces like parks, streets, restaurants, or public transport.

Examples

• It is generally considered impolite to argue loudly in public.

  It is generally considered impolite to argue loudly in public.

• She doesn't like speaking in public because it makes her nervous.

  She doesn't like speaking in public because it makes her nervous.

• They rarely show affection in public, preferring to keep it private.

  They rarely show affection in public, preferring to keep it private.

• I accidentally wore my slippers in public today.

  I accidentally wore my slippers in public today.

• Famous celebrities often wear sunglasses to avoid being recognized in public.

  Famous celebrities often wear sunglasses to avoid being recognized in public.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He loves to sing in the public.

  ✓ He loves to sing in public.

  The idiom is 'in public' without the definite article 'the' when referring to open spaces in general.

• ✗ Please don't discuss personal matters on public.

  ✓ Please don't discuss personal matters in public.

  The correct preposition to use with 'public' in this context is 'in', not 'on'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I felt so embarrassed when my phone started ringing loudly ___.

  💡 In front of other people in a shared space.

  Show answer

  in public

• Some people behave very differently ___ compared to how they act at home.

  💡 In open, shared spaces.

  Show answer

  in public