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Meaning & use

open to the public

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ˌəʊpən tə ðə ˈpʌblɪk/
US/ˌoʊpən tə ðə ˈpʌblɪk/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Available for anyone to enter, attend or use, without needing an invitation, membership or special permission.

    Grammar: Follows a noun or the verb be: the museum is open to the public.

    Patterns

    • something is open to the public
    • be open to the public on a day

    The gardens are open to the public every weekend from spring to autumn.

    The meeting is open to the public, so please bring your neighbors.

    After repairs, the castle will be open to the public again in June.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    Free for ordinary people to take part, not limited to special groups such as staff or students.

    Grammar: Usually describes events, services or facilities: the lecture is open to the public.

    Patterns

    • a lecture open to the public
    • not open to the public

    The university lecture is open to the public, not just to students.

    Unfortunately, the laboratory isn't open to the public.

    Access to the archive is open to the public by appointment.

Common combinations

be open to the public
The library is open to the public from nine to five.
remain open to the public
The park will remain open to the public during construction.
open to the general public
The sale is open to the general public.
not open to the public
The staff kitchen is not open to the public.
free and open to the public
The concert is free and open to the public.

Synonyms and how they differ

public
This is shorter and often used before a noun, as in a public garden, while open to the public follows the noun.
accessible
This stresses that people can reach or use something, not that the general public is formally invited.
open-door
This describes a welcoming policy and is used before a noun, so it is less common for opening hours.

Opposites

privateclosed to the publicmembers only

Word family

public noun
people in general
publicly adverb
in a way that anyone can see
publicize verb
make something known widely
open adjective
not closed

Commonly confused: open to the public or open for the public?

open to the public vs open for the public

Not a standard preposition choice; use open to the public.

Practice

The exhibition is _____ the public until the end of the month, so anyone can walk in.

Make it your own

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