public service — service for everyone
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A system or activity provided by the government or an official organization for all people, such as healthcare, education, or public transport.
Say it like a native
Textbook She is employed within the sphere of governmental provision.
Native She works in public service.
'Public service' is the standard term; the paraphrase is bureaucratic.
Pattern: public service (noun, countable or uncountable)
In use
- Access to clean water is an important public service.society
- In my country, healthcare is a public service, which means everyone can use it, regardless of their income.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Buses are a public's service.
✓ Buses are a public service.
Fixed compound — no apostrophe.
Common collocations
public service + noun— announcement, broadcaster, sector, worker
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'private service', which is only for paying customers or members.