a sermon to that effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sermon to that effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a speech or message that conveys a particular idea or sentiment, often in a moral or instructive context. Example: "The speaker delivered a sermon to that effect, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion in our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Moran sees Kinsella as an innocent bystander whose murder crowns the tragedy of the affair, and he preaches a sermon to that effect.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several accounts claim that in her will she left £10 for a sermon to be read that said nothing ill of her.

Wikipedia

He once preached a fiery sermon to the effect that if St Paul's did not speak fully of God then we might as well just go and hand over its keys to the National Trust.

The Guardian

Overly ambitious in some respects, lacking focus and needed detail in others, In China's Shadow has the effect of a "sermon to the converted".

Forbes

(See "A Sermon To The Banking Industry").

Forbes

The Bishop of Meath, John Evans, agreed with Lord Orrery's critique of the sermons as political works, and he compared a sermon to the writing of Montaigne.

Wikipedia

I am blessed when I know that what I do, what I say, a sermon that I preach, a therapy session that I conduct, an article that I write really has a positive effect upon others.

HuffPost

Within a week, however, he was giving his first sermon to a congregation that included his old teacher, John Major.

Wikipedia

Like all preachers, he had a Sunday sermon to prepare — and an absolute awareness that this would not be just another Sunday in the pulpit.

The New York Times

Baxter felt that he had sinned by accepting the pleasure of giving a sermon that was being listened to.

The New Yorker

Priests often deliver a speech, called a sermon, that relates every day life to beliefs in God.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sermon to that effect" when you want to indicate that a speech or communication had a particular purpose or impact, especially in conveying a moral or instructive message. Be mindful of the formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a sermon to that effect" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone may sound out of place. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a message like that" or "a speech with that idea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sermon to that effect" functions as a noun phrase that specifies the content or purpose of a speech or communication, often with moral or instructive implications. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sermon to that effect" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a communication with a specific moral or instructive intent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its formal tone makes it best suited for neutral to formal contexts like news or persuasive writing, it should be used cautiously in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "a message to that effect" in less formal settings. This phrase frequently appears in contexts related to news media, wiki content and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a message to that end

Replaces "sermon" with "message", focusing on the communication of a specific purpose.

a speech with that implication

Substitutes "sermon" with "speech" and "effect" with "implication", highlighting the inferred meaning.

a discourse along those lines

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "sermon" with "discourse" and "effect" with "lines", suggesting a similar argument or theme.

a lecture to that point

Replaces "sermon" with "lecture" and "effect" with "point", implying an instructive communication.

an address with that intent

Replaces "sermon" with "address" and "effect" with "intent", emphasizing the speaker's purpose.

a homily with that moral

Substitutes "sermon" with "homily" and "effect" with "moral", specifically referencing a moral lesson.

a teaching with that objective

Replaces "sermon" with "teaching" and "effect" with "objective", stressing the learning outcome.

a preachment along those themes

Employs less common words like "preachment", but still conveys the idea of a moral or instructive speech.

a declaration towards that aim

Changes the noun to "declaration" indicating more of a formal announcement than a sermon.

an exhortation with that goal

Replaces sermon with exhortation, indicating encouragement, advice, or urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "a sermon to that effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a sermon to that effect" to describe a speech or communication that conveys a particular idea or message, especially one with a moral or instructive purpose. For example, "The politician delivered "a sermon to that effect", urging citizens to embrace unity and compassion".

What's the difference between "a sermon to that effect" and "a message to that effect"?

"A sermon to that effect" implies a more formal, often religiously themed, speech with a moral lesson. "A message to that effect" is more general and can refer to any communication conveying a similar idea or purpose. In many cases, you can use "a message to that effect" as a less formal alternative.

Are there synonyms for "a sermon to that effect" that avoid religious connotations?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a speech with that implication", "a discourse along those lines", or "a lecture to that point" to convey a similar meaning without the religious undertones of "sermon".

Is "a sermon to that effect" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sermon to that effect" might be perceived as too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise language to describe the specific persuasive or argumentative technique being employed. However, depending on the context it might be a good and relevant usage.