lecturing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lecturing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of giving a formal speech or presentation, often in an educational context. Example: "The professor is lecturing on the importance of climate change in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The slightly more secular UUP avoided lecturing individuals on issues affecting the bedroom.

The Guardian

Per Mertesacker is lecturing and he is eminently qualified to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

We are not lecturing them, they are our partners, our family and we will work through it with them to get better outcomes for the people of PNG.

The Guardian

That did not stop him voicing "profound concerns" and lecturing Mr Mittal about his takeover etiquette.

The Economist

It badly mishandled the battle over its bail-out extension, lecturing its euro-zone partners when it ought to have sought accommodation.

The Economist

Mr Cameron's manners are too good to accuse him of lecturing the Russians, let alone nagging them.

The Economist

They have launched new courses that encourage students to learn to collaborate with each other and work in teams; they offer executive coaching rather than just lecturing; they create ambitious new courses in leadership.

The Economist

The British Museum has put on an exhibition, "7,000 Years of Chinese Jade", with experts lecturing on various Asian art themes.London dealers say that Britain is the world centre for expertise, conservation, restoration and packaging.

The Economist

It suggests the British defence company had strong reasons for keeping its practices well away from examination in court.Leaving aside how little we still know of the details of BAE's business in Saudi Arabia, the awkwardness remains of the British government lecturing others on the rule of law and due process after Tony Blair's interference with the SFO's inquiry.

The Economist

But overall I feel very blessed It is incredibly brave to start lecturing again My wife comes most of the times I teach and stands on the front row to help me.

The Economist

The court's five most conservative justices have been leading a states' rights revolution in recent years, lecturing Congress, the President and the four dissenters on the court about the virtues of the federal system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. "Lecturing" can sometimes imply a negative connotation, suggesting the speaker is being overly didactic or preachy. Choose alternatives if a more neutral or positive tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "lecturing" in informal conversations or settings where a less formal term would be more appropriate. Using it too broadly can make your language sound stiff or pretentious. More casual alternatives like "talking" or "explaining" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The term "lecturing" functions primarily as a verb, often in its present participle form to describe the action of delivering a lecture. It can also function as a noun, denoting the act of giving a lecture or harangue. Ludwig AI supports this understanding with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lecturing" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a verb or noun, denoting the act of delivering a formal speech or conveying information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can sometimes carry negative connotations of being overly didactic. When writing, consider alternatives like ""giving a lecture"" or ""presenting information"" for variety. Avoid overusing "lecturing" in informal settings to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving a lecture

Emphasizes the act of presenting formal information, often in an academic setting.

delivering a speech

Focuses on the act of public speaking, potentially in a more formal or persuasive context.

addressing an audience

Highlights the act of speaking to a group, whether formally or informally.

presenting information

Emphasizes the conveyance of knowledge or data, rather than the act of speaking.

giving instruction

Focuses on teaching and guiding an audience through a specific topic.

offering guidance

Highlights the provision of advice or recommendations, rather than a formal presentation.

holding forth

Suggests a lengthy and often unsolicited delivery of opinions or information.

preaching to

Implies a moralistic or judgmental tone in the delivery of information.

talking down to

Conveys a condescending or patronizing manner of speaking.

haranguing

Indicates an aggressive and forceful way of delivering a speech or lecture.

FAQs

How can I use "lecturing" in a sentence?

You can use "lecturing" to describe the act of giving a formal talk or speech, such as in the sentence "The professor is "lecturing" on quantum physics" or "He was "lecturing" his son about the importance of hard work".

What are some alternatives to "lecturing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "giving a lecture", "presenting information", "delivering a speech", or "offering guidance".

When is it appropriate to use "lecturing" versus "teaching"?

"Lecturing" typically implies a more formal, one-way delivery of information, while "teaching" suggests a more interactive and reciprocal learning process. Use ""lecturing"" when emphasizing the delivery of a speech, use "teaching" when emphasizing the instructional aspect.

What is the difference between "lecturing" and "preaching"?

"Lecturing" generally refers to a formal presentation of information, while "preaching" often carries a connotation of moralizing or giving unsolicited advice. "Lecturing" focuses on conveying knowledge, whereas "preaching" aims to persuade or convert.