gave a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave a speech" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a person speaking in front of a group of people. For example, "Yesterday, Mary gave a speech at her graduation ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He gave a speech.

The New York Times

Padma Lakshmi gave a speech.

The New York Times - Arts

Sweetenham gave a speech.

The Guardian - Sport

I gave a speech.

The Guardian - Books

She gave a speech in 2005.

The New York Times

He gave a speech on economic policy.

The New York Times

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg gave a speech.

The New York Times - Arts

I just gave a speech.

The Guardian

He gave a speech, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Winton gave a speech during the ceremony.

The Guardian

Michelle Obama gave a speech," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "gave a speech" and alternatives like "delivered an address" or "offered remarks". A more formal setting might benefit from "delivered an address", while "offered remarks" suggests a less formal occasion.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual alternatives like "talked" or "said a few words" when "gave a speech" is more appropriate for the situation. Ensure that the language you use aligns with the level of formality required by the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave a speech" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally addressing an audience. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it used to describe actions by presidents, mayors, and individuals at various events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave a speech" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of formally addressing an audience. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, the level of formality can be adjusted by choosing alternative phrases such as "delivered an address" for more formal settings or "offered remarks" for less formal occasions. When using the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the specific context and audience to convey the intended message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delivered an address

More formal and emphasizes the careful preparation and presentation of the speech.

addressed the audience

Highlights the direct communication and connection with the listeners.

made a presentation

Focuses on the act of presenting information, often with visual aids or a structured format.

spoke before the group

A simpler, more general way of saying someone gave a speech, suitable for informal contexts.

offered remarks

Implies a shorter, less formal speech, often given as part of a larger event.

presented a lecture

Suggests a more academic or instructional speech, often focused on a specific topic.

recited a monologue

Highlights a theatrical performance with only one speaker

proclaimed a statement

Highlights the delivery of strong political message

shared his thoughts

Underlines the personal expression of ideas

broadcasted his considerations

Emphasizes the public dissemination of reflective or considered ideas to mass media

FAQs

How is "gave a speech" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "gave a speech" is used to describe the act of someone formally addressing an audience. For example, "The president "gave a speech" on economic policy" or "She "gave a speech" at the conference".

What are some synonyms for "gave a speech" that I can use?

Alternatives to "gave a speech" include "delivered an address", "made a presentation", or "addressed the audience". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "gave a speech" formal or informal?

"Gave a speech" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "delivered an address" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "gave a speech" and "made a speech"?

While both phrases are similar, "gave a speech" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Made a speech" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.