a lecture on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lecture on" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of event or presentation where one person speaks to a larger group of people about a particular topic. For example: "The professor gave a lecture on ethical considerations in medical research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one wants to watch a lecture on TV.

Huffington Post

TUCKAHOE A lecture on Italian landscape design.

The New York Times

After lunch, there's a lecture on walruses.

The New Yorker

This elicited a lecture on organic feed.

The New York Times - Travel

"You already missed a lecture on biology".

The New Yorker

"They gave me a lecture on morals," she said.

The New York Times

I shall not give a lecture on the 29th".

The New Yorker

"All I got was a lecture on sex".

The New York Times - Books

PEDDIE SCHOOL Lew Watts presents a lecture on Duke Ellington.

The New York Times

Instead, Mr. Sternlicht received a lecture on democracy.

The New York Times

What students need isn't a lecture on abstinence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lecture on" when you want to specifically refer to a formal or semi-formal presentation on a particular subject. Consider your audience and the context to determine if a more informal term like "presentation" or "talk" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a lecture on" in casual conversations or extremely informal settings. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a chat about" or "a discussion on" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lecture on" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a prepositional phrase acting as a post-modifier. It describes the topic or subject matter of a formal presentation or talk. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lecture on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase. It describes a formal presentation or talk about a specific subject, frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and widely used expression. When using "a lecture on", consider the level of formality required for the context. If the setting is casual, alternatives like "a talk about" or "a presentation on" might be more suitable. Remember that a lecture typically implies a one-way presentation of information, distinguishing it from a more interactive seminar or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a presentation on

Replaces "lecture" with "presentation", implying a slightly more modern or informal setting.

a talk about

Uses a more conversational term, "talk", indicating a less formal lecture.

a discussion of

Emphasizes interaction and exchange of ideas rather than a one-way presentation.

a discourse on

Suggests a more formal and elaborate presentation.

a lesson about

Frames the event as instructional, more suitable for educational settings.

a seminar regarding

Highlights the educational and in-depth nature of the presentation.

an address concerning

Implies a formal speech or announcement regarding a particular topic.

a disquisition about

Suggests a lengthy and detailed investigation or explanation.

a homily concerning

Implies a moral or spiritual lesson, differing significantly in context.

a recitation regarding

Focuses on the act of reciting information, potentially in a more structured or traditional format.

FAQs

How can I use "a lecture on" in a sentence?

You can use "a lecture on" to describe a formal presentation. For example, "The professor gave "a lecture on" quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "a lecture on"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a presentation on", "a talk about", or "a discussion of".

Is "a lecture on" formal or informal?

"A lecture on" is generally considered a formal or semi-formal phrase, best suited for academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "a lecture on" and "a seminar on"?

"A lecture on" typically involves a one-way presentation of information, while "a seminar on" usually includes more interaction and discussion among participants.