giving a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "giving a speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of delivering a formal address to an audience. Example: "She was nervous about giving a speech at the conference, but she prepared thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Giving a speech".

The New York Times

I was just giving a speech".

The New York Times

Here's the president giving a speech.

The New York Times

You say you're giving a speech.

The New Yorker

On Thursday, Bernanke is giving a speech on banking regulation.

The New York Times

— "giving a speech telling us how great we were.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is some danger in giving a speech like this.

The New York Times

After giving a speech to 500 people at the A.M.E.

The New York Times

Carney is giving a speech at Davos just after midday.

The Guardian - Business

On Sunday, he may be giving a speech or two.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lazio is shown at events and giving a speech.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. The phrase "giving a speech" is suitable for formal and informal settings, but in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "delivering an address" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "giving a speech" in extremely casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "talking" or "speaking" are often more natural. For example, instead of saying "I'm giving a speech at the party", try "I'm going to talk at the party".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "giving a speech" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of presenting a prepared oration to an audience. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "giving a speech" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of delivering a formal address. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with its use being particularly prevalent in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and adjust formality as needed. For more formal settings, alternatives like "delivering an address" or "presenting a lecture" may be more appropriate. When writing, ensure to vary sentence structure to prevent repetition and carefully consider the audience and purpose of the speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delivering an address

Focuses on the act of presenting a formal oration.

addressing an audience

Highlights the act of speaking directly to a group of people.

making a presentation

Emphasizes the use of visual aids or demonstrations.

presenting a lecture

Implies a more academic or educational context.

offering remarks

Suggests a briefer, less formal speech.

issuing a statement

Refers to making a formal announcement or declaration.

pronouncing a discourse

Conveys a formal and elaborate speech.

reciting a declamation

Implies a prepared speech delivered with rhetorical flair.

voicing an opinion

Emphasizes the expression of personal views.

sharing a message

Focuses on conveying information or a specific idea.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "giving a speech"?

You can use alternatives like "delivering an address", "making a presentation", or "offering remarks" depending on the context.

How does the formality of the situation affect using "giving a speech"?

While "giving a speech" is generally acceptable in various contexts, more formal situations might benefit from phrases like "delivering an address" or "presenting a lecture".

Is it correct to say "giving a speech about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "giving a speech about" followed by the topic of the speech. For example, "He is giving a speech about environmental conservation".

What is the difference between "giving a speech" and "delivering a speech"?

The terms "giving a speech" and "delivering a speech" are often used interchangeably. However, "delivering a speech" might imply a more formal or official setting than "giving a speech".