Public (noun) (adj.) this is a very confusing area of English, as we use different words to talk about groups of people in public places.
The public is the most generalised way of referring to a large number of unknown people. The general public meaning the anonymous mass of people of the whole country; the general public in Britain love a good scandal. But the word cannot be used for every situation.
Sports events are attended by spectators; concerts, shows, conferences, cinema, theatre, television etc, by an audience.
If you were attending a church service, you would be a part of the congregation.
Another noun which can be used to talk about a large number of people together is a crowd, this is a little more difficult to define, but the general sense is of a large mass of less controlled people; A crowd of demonstrators gathered in the street. Football supporters and rock fans, are often referred to as crowds, as noise and rowdiness is implied, but you would never use it to talk about classical music fans at the opera.
Check out ZakWashington's latest video now posted on Youtube and Vimeo.
Zak and the gang are on an alternative 'cultural tour' and today are visiting a typical British newsagent's.
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