SpeakUp

Grammar fix

public service announcement

official message

an important message from the government or an organization, shared to inform or protect the public

collocationB2occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The government released a public service announcement about the importance of washing hands during flu season.communication
  • In my country, public service announcements are often used to educate people about recycling and environmental protection.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: public service announcement (about/on/for something)

WrongThey made a public service announce.

RightThey made a public service announcement.

It's the noun 'announcement', not 'announce'.

Patternpublic service announcement (about/on/for something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The authorities issued an official notification for public awareness.

Natural They put out a public service announcement.

'Public service announcement' (PSA) is the standard term; the paraphrase is clunky.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • public service announcement + verb
    a public service announcementPSAissuedaired

Don't confuse it

Unlike commercials, public service announcements are not for selling products—they are meant to help or protect the public.

Try it in Daily Speak →