a long speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a speech that has a considerable duration or length, often implying that it may be lengthy or detailed. Example: "The politician delivered a long speech that covered various topics, leaving the audience both informed and exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A month ago, I gave a long speech about race.

Huffington Post

It was a long speech.

The New Yorker

Well, first there'd be a long speech.

The New Yorker

Bob Baby gives a long speech.

The New Yorker

Then, on Tuesday night, Bush delivered a long speech at a Republican dinner in Iowa.

The New Yorker

He did neither and gave a long speech, in German and Latin, defending his ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I know they came at the end of a long speech aimed at rallying his supporters.

The Washington Post

Why does the protagonist make a long speech about his mother in act two?

The Guardian

Baillieu made a long speech with his customary dignity, generosity and detachment from it all.

The Guardian

To allow the Doctor a long speech about how war is bad.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At the first rehearsal Mr. Robertson did not make a long speech to the players.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overwhelming your audience, try to condense "a long speech" into a shorter, more impactful version by focusing on the most important information. This will make your message more memorable and effective.

Common error

Avoid packing "a long speech" with excessive jargon or technical terms that the audience may not understand. Use clear, simple language to ensure your message is accessible and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long speech" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, describing the act of delivering or listening to a lengthy discourse. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase itself is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long speech" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe an address of considerable length. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility spans across various contexts, from formal news reports to casual conversations. When writing or speaking, consider the audience and purpose to determine the most effective way to deliver or describe a speech, opting for alternatives like "an extended address" or "a lengthy oration" based on the context's formality. Be mindful of potential pitfalls, such as overuse of jargon, to ensure your message remains clear and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy oration

Replaces "speech" with "oration", implying a more formal and elaborate delivery.

an extended address

Uses "address" instead of "speech", suggesting a more official or formal communication.

a prolonged discourse

Substitutes "speech" with "discourse", emphasizing a more structured and reasoned presentation.

a rambling monologue

Conveys a sense of the speech being lengthy and possibly unfocused.

a never-ending lecture

Implies the speech is tedious and feels excessively long.

a wordy presentation

Focuses on the excessive use of words in the speech.

a drawn-out talk

Emphasizes the extended duration of the speech.

an interminable harangue

Suggests the speech is not only long but also critical and aggressive.

a marathon address

Emphasizes the extreme length of the speech, likening it to a marathon.

an extensive soliloquy

Refers to a long speech given by one person, often revealing their thoughts.

FAQs

How can I avoid making "a long speech" boring?

Keep your audience engaged by incorporating storytelling, humor, and interactive elements. Vary your tone and pace, and use visuals to illustrate key points. Break up the monologue by interjecting questions for example.

What's the difference between "a long speech" and "a short talk"?

"A long speech" implies a more extensive and detailed presentation, while "a short talk" suggests a concise and to-the-point communication.

What are some synonyms for "a long speech"?

Alternatives include "a lengthy oration", "an extended address", or "a prolonged discourse", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to give "a long speech"?

A long speech may be appropriate when thoroughly explaining complex topics, delivering keynote addresses, or providing comprehensive reports. Ensure the length is justified by the content's depth and the audience's need for information.