gave a lecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave a lecture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone talking about a specific topic to a group. Example sentence: She gave a lecture on ancient Greek philosophy to her students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Each relative gave a lecture.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year I gave a lecture on violence against women.

The Guardian

Mathews said he gave a lecture to teenagers last week.

The Guardian - Sport

He struggled through "Ulysses," even gave a lecture on it.

The New Yorker

Dean Wingard gave a lecture entiteled "Learning to Succeed".

Columbia University

He gave a lecture on shield volcanoes and effusive eruptions.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

In January, at the Alvin Ailey headquarters, Lil Buck's school, the Memphis New Ballet Ensemble, gave a lecture-demonstration.

The New Yorker

Want to give a lecture?

The Guardian - Film

I was there, giving a lecture.

The Guardian - Film

Author and critic John Lahr gives a lecture.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "gave a lecture", consider the audience. Use language appropriate for the audience in question; it may be academic, technical or general audience.

Common error

Avoid using "gave a lecture" in very casual or informal settings. Opt for alternatives like "talked about" or "discussed" if the situation is less formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave a lecture" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally presenting information to an audience. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gave a lecture" is a versatile phrase used to describe the action of delivering a formal presentation of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse sources, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the formality of the situation and audience, opting for alternative phrases like "delivered a lecture" or "presented a lecture" in more formal settings, or using simpler terms like "talked about" in casual conversation. Keep in mind that Ludwig examples provide guidance on its varied application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delivered a lecture

Uses a different verb ("delivered") to convey the act of presenting a lecture, emphasizing the performance aspect.

presented a lecture

Replaces "gave" with "presented", highlighting the act of showcasing or offering the lecture to an audience.

held a lecture

Emphasizes the act of organizing or hosting the lecture event.

conducted a lecture

Implies a more structured and controlled presentation of the lecture material.

offered a lecture

Suggests providing the lecture as a service or opportunity to the audience.

led a lecture

Focuses on guiding the audience through the lecture content.

lectured on

This changes the structure to a verb followed by the topic. This is a more concise way of expressing the action.

addressed an audience

Focuses on the act of speaking to a group, rather than specifically giving a lecture.

spoke to a crowd

General expression for speaking to a group of people, without specifying a lecture.

held a talk

More informal alternative, suggesting a less structured presentation.

FAQs

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

You can use "gave a lecture" to describe someone formally presenting information, such as: "The professor "gave a lecture" on quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "gave a lecture"?

Alternatives include "delivered a lecture", "presented a lecture", or "held a lecture", each with slight differences in nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "gave a lecture" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "gave a lecture" is more suitable for formal contexts. In casual conversation, consider using simpler terms like "talked about".

What's the difference between "gave a lecture" and "gave a presentation"?

"Gave a lecture" typically implies a more formal, educational setting, whereas "gave a presentation" can apply to a broader range of scenarios, including business or informal settings.