make a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to ask someone to present a speech or to mention that a person will be making a speech. For example, "The speaker will take the stage shortly to make a speech about the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ever make a speech?

The New York Times

Georges Perrier wanted to make a speech.

The New York Times

"I didn't make a speech.

The New York Times

He could make a speech.

The New York Times

The president and the prime minister both make a speech.

The Economist

Mr Abe will also make a speech to Congress.

The Economist

The old man wanted belatedly to make a speech.

The New Yorker

Nelson Mandela, it is hoped, will make a speech.

The Economist

THE PRESIDENT: Are you going to make a speech now?

Yale University

Obama will make a speech at which famous Berlin landmark?

The Guardian

At the festival I had to make a speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a speech", consider the formality of the situation. For formal events, consider alternatives like "deliver a speech" or "present remarks".

Common error

Avoid using "make a speech" repeatedly in formal writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "address the audience" or "give a presentation" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a wider vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a speech" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the action of delivering a prepared oration. Ludwig AI confirms that is a common expression across different registers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a speech" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of delivering a prepared oration. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is widely applicable across various registers, although it's important to consider the context and formality of the situation when choosing alternatives like "deliver a speech" or "give a presentation". While "make a speech" maintains a neutral tone, varying your vocabulary can enhance your writing and keep your audience engaged. Ludwig's examples show how prevalent and useful this expression is in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver a speech

Replaces "make" with "deliver", suggesting a formal and prepared presentation.

speak publicly

General term for addressing a public gathering.

give a presentation

Focuses on the act of presenting information, which can be broader than a formal speech.

address an audience

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

present remarks

A more formal and concise way to say "make a speech".

take the floor

Highlights the act of beginning to speak in a meeting or debate.

utter an address

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the act of giving a speech.

hold forth

Suggests a lengthy and perhaps self-indulgent speech.

orate

Implies a highly skilled and eloquent form of public speaking.

recite a discourse

Implies a formal and structured presentation, perhaps from memory.

FAQs

How can I use "make a speech" in a sentence?

You can use "make a speech" to describe the act of giving a formal address. For instance, "The president will "make a speech" on economic policy tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "make a speech"?

Some alternatives include "deliver a speech", "give a presentation", or "address the audience", depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "give a speech" or "make a speech"?

"Give a speech" and "make a speech" are both correct and often interchangeable. However, "give a speech" might sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

What's the difference between "make a speech" and "give a talk"?

"Make a speech" usually implies a more formal and structured address, while "give a talk" can refer to a more casual or informal presentation.