gave a demonstration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave a demonstration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action where someone shows how something works or explains a process through a practical example. Example: "During the workshop, the instructor gave a demonstration of the new software features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He gave a demonstration.

The New York Times

Petrela gave a demonstration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Schiff gave a demonstration at the piano.

The New Yorker

First, he gave a demonstration using his six-meter kite.

The New York Times - Travel

The Major gave a demonstration at Hotel Astor.

The New Yorker

Indian dance master Chitresh Das gave a demonstration of his art on Monday in Killian Hall.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He gave a demonstration that replicated MP3s, CDs, Blu-ray and then the full Pono sound.

The New York Times - Magazine

Swiss flag bearers gave a demonstration of their art of flag swinging.

The New York Times

Ms. Sanusi and four other hakamah from South Darfur gave a demonstration the other day.

The New York Times

Jerel gave a demonstration of one benefit -- by belting out a tune.

The New York Times - Health

Emily Coates and Sarah Demers gave a demonstration and lecture at New Haven Ballet on April 7.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave a demonstration" when you want to emphasize that someone actively presented or performed a practical example or explanation. It is suitable for describing events, presentations, or educational contexts.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that obscure who performed the demonstration. For example, instead of saying "A demonstration was given", specify who "gave a demonstration" to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave a demonstration" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of presenting or showing something, often in a practical or illustrative manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave a demonstration" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe the act of presenting or showing something, particularly to explain or illustrate a process, product, or technique. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to general discussions. While alternatives like "presented a demonstration" or "provided a demonstration" may offer subtle variations in tone, "gave a demonstration" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the act of demonstrating. It is important to maintain clarity by specifying who performed the demonstration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented a demonstration

Replaces "gave" with "presented", offering a slightly more formal tone.

provided a demonstration

Substitutes "gave" with "provided", emphasizing the act of supplying the demonstration.

showed a demonstration

Uses "showed" instead of "gave", focusing on the visual aspect of the demonstration.

conducted a demonstration

Replaces "gave" with "conducted", highlighting the action of carrying out the demonstration.

performed a demonstration

Similar to "conducted a demonstration", but emphasizes the execution of the demonstration.

illustrated with a demonstration

Highlights the illustrative aspect, emphasizing the use of the demonstration to clarify something.

offered an illustration

Simplifies the expression, focusing on the illustrative aspect.

walked through a demonstration

Emphasizes a step-by-step approach in showing a demonstration.

explained through a demonstration

Highlights how a demonstration can be used to make something clearer or easier to understand.

ran through a demonstration

Focuses on the quick or efficient execution of the demonstration.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "gave a demonstration"?

You can use alternatives like "presented a demonstration", "provided a demonstration", or "showed a demonstration" depending on the context.

How do I use "gave a demonstration" in a sentence?

The phrase "gave a demonstration" is used to describe someone showing how something works or explaining a process. For example, "The chef gave a demonstration of how to prepare the dish".

What's the difference between "gave a demonstration" and "conducted a demonstration"?

"Gave a demonstration" simply means to present or show something. "Conducted a demonstration"/"performed a demonstration" implies a more structured or formal presentation, often involving specific steps or procedures.

Is "gave a demonstration" formal or informal?

The phrase "gave a demonstration" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, "presented a demonstration" might be preferred.