lecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lecture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal talk or presentation given to an audience, typically in an educational context. Example: "The professor will give a lecture on modern literature this Thursday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For me the lull before the storm was illustrated by the complacent attitude of the Federal Reserve's vice-chairman Stanley Fischer, in his question and answer session after the annual Per Jacobsson lecture – not least when he dismissed that great central banking veteran Paul Volcker's call for a more structured international financial system.

The Guardian

I have now read Lord Steyn's Attlee Foundation lecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kelly, who had gathered together female pupils for his lecture, referred to a recent anti-rape advert.

The Guardian

Newcastle's fans have suffered enough this season; they don't need it ended with a sanctimonious lecture.

The Guardian - Sport

And she read art historian Aby Warburg's lecture on the frescoes: "He completely understood that that moment where opposites meet is the most fertile of points for the mind, for the soul and for the arts".

The Guardian - Books

A well-received MacTaggart lecture at the 2012 Edinburgh TV Festival was followed by a lengthy New Yorker profile in December that year, headlined Heiress: the rise of Elisabeth Murdoch.

The Guardian

It doesn't know if I'm giving a lecture or watching a movie," says Schwarz.

The Guardian - Tech

But the reason members of the public always approach him as if they know him, as if he is an old friend, is not because they expect a lecture on politics.

The Guardian - Film

"They moaned about the lighting; but they're playing in the lecture theatre, not the main hall, so there is not a lot we can do," said one organiser at the Palau de les Arts, the opera house in the city of Valencia.

The Guardian - Sport

Upstairs in a lecture hall, and dotted around nearby classrooms, fellow students are curled up on the floor asleep.

The Guardian

Every evening the students gather in one of the lecture halls to discuss the day's activities and vote on important measures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "lecture" is a neutral term for a formal presentation, but in informal contexts, it can imply criticism or reprimand.

Common error

Avoid using "lecture" in casual conversation when a simpler word like "talk" or "chat" would suffice. Overusing "lecture" can sound pretentious or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The word "lecture" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a formal talk given on a subject. As a verb, it means to deliver such a talk or to scold someone. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in both forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lecture" is commonly used in both noun and verb forms, carrying meanings related to formal talks and reprimands. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical standing is solid, with a wide range of applications in news, academia, and professional settings. While its use is versatile, be mindful of the context; in casual settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate. Remember, "lecture" is more than just a word; it's a communication tool with the power to educate, inform, and, sometimes, even admonish.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presentation

Focuses on the act of presenting information, often in a less formal setting.

talk

A more general term for a spoken address, suitable for various contexts.

speech

Emphasizes a formal or prepared oral communication.

address

Implies a formal communication to a specific audience.

discourse

Highlights a formal and extended discussion on a topic.

seminar

A more interactive teaching method, often involving discussion.

lesson

Suggests a session focused on teaching a specific subject or skill.

sermon

Typically refers to a religious speech delivered in a place of worship.

monologue

Highlights a single person speaking at length, often in a theatrical context.

oration

Emphasizes a skilled and formal public speaking performance.

FAQs

How to use "lecture" in a sentence?

As a noun, "lecture" refers to a formal talk on a subject, like: "The professor gave an engaging lecture on quantum physics." As a verb, it means to give a formal talk or to scold, like: "She will lecture on astrophysics next week" or "My parents lectured me about my grades".

What can I say instead of "lecture" (formal talk)?

You can use alternatives like "presentation", "talk", or "speech" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "lecture" (scold)?

Consider using alternatives like "reprimand", "scold", or "berate" if you mean to criticize someone.

What's the difference between "lecture" and "seminar"?

A "lecture" is typically a one-way presentation of information, while a "seminar" is a more interactive session involving discussion and participation from attendees.