public transport — buses, trains, etc.
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcore
Buses, trains, subways, and other vehicles that anyone can use to travel around a city or between places, usually for a fee.
Say it like a native
Textbook I commute by means of publicly operated transportation services.
Native I get around on public transport.
'Publicly operated transportation services' is absurd; 'public transport' (UK) / 'public transportation' (US) is normal.
Pattern: public transport (uncountable noun)
In use
- Many people use public transport to get to work because it's cheaper than driving.daily life
- In my opinion, public transport is essential in big cities because it reduces traffic and pollution.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I go to work by the public transport.
✓ I go to work by public transport.
'By public transport' (no 'the') or 'on public transport'.
Common collocations
public transport— public transport, by public transport, use public transport, rely on public transport
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'private transport' (like your own car or bike).