made a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"made a speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone giving a formal address or presentation to an audience. Here is an example: "At the awards ceremony, the CEO made a speech thanking the employees for their hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Grossman made a speech.

The New Yorker

Ford who made a speech.

The New Yorker

The mayor made a speech.

The New York Times

Mr. Johnston made a speech.

The New Yorker

Which US president made a speech there?

The Guardian

Rockefeller made a speech in Spanish & then switched to English.

The New Yorker

So I got up and made a speech to them.

Independent

He made a speech that night – without notes.

Independent

The president himself this week made a speech in Tamil.

The Economist

Mr. Sackler was present and made a speech.

The New Yorker

The quieter one has just made a speech in Paris.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made a speech", consider the context and audience. Choose more specific verbs like 'delivered', 'presented', or 'addressed' for a more impactful description.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the verb 'made'. While grammatically correct, repeatedly using 'made' can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your vocabulary with more descriptive verbs like 'delivered', 'presented', or 'offered'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a speech" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of delivering a prepared oration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. It commonly describes a formal act of communication to an audience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made a speech" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of giving a formal address. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While widely applicable, varying your vocabulary with more descriptive verbs like "delivered", "presented", or "addressed" can enhance your writing. The phrase's frequency across diverse sources, including news and academic texts, underscores its broad relevance. When considering alternatives remember that "delivered an address" is suitable for formal contexts, while "gave a talk" may be appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delivered an address

Focuses on the act of formally presenting a speech.

gave a lecture

Implies a more educational or academic context.

presented a talk

A more general term for giving information orally.

addressed the audience

Highlights the act of speaking directly to an assembled group.

offered remarks

Suggests a shorter, less formal speech.

spoke publicly

Emphasizes the public nature of the communication.

proclaimed a statement

Suggests a more forceful and declarative speech.

recited a discourse

Implies a formal and often lengthy speech.

articulated a view

Highlights the expression of a particular opinion or perspective.

issued a declaration

Suggests a formal and often official announcement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "made a speech" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "delivered an address", "presented a lecture", or "articulated a view".

Is "made a speech" too informal for academic writing?

While "made a speech" isn't strictly incorrect, it can be perceived as less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "presented a paper" or "delivered a presentation" in academic contexts.

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

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "gave a speech" might sound slightly more natural in contemporary English. Both are acceptable, but varying your vocabulary can improve your writing style.

What verbs can I use instead of "made" in "made a speech"?

Consider using verbs like "delivered", "presented", "addressed", or "offered" for a more precise and engaging description.