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public event — open to everyone

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

An event that anyone can attend, not just a private group.

Say it like a native

Textbook The function is open to attendance by all members of the public.

Native It's a public event — anyone can come.

'Open to attendance by all members of the public' is officialese; 'public event' is plain.

Pattern: public event (noun phrase); attend/go to/organize a public event

In use

  • The city is holding a public event in the park this Saturday, and everyone is welcome.daily life
  • I think attending a public event, such as a cultural festival, is a great way to meet new people and learn about different traditions.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ It's a publicity event.

✓ It's a public event.

'Public event' (open to all) ≠ 'publicity event' (held to promote something).

Common collocations

  • a public event — a public event, attend, hold a public event, open to the public

Don't confuse it

A 'private event' is only for invited people, but a 'public event' is open to all.

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