receive a lecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "receive a lecture" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically means to be given a long, serious talk or reprimand about one's actions or behavior. Example: After failing his exam, John knew he was going to receive a lecture from his disappointed parents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We have tons of money going to the military," a young girl responded, only to receive a lecture about the realpolitik of passing bills in a Republican-led Senate.

The New York Times

Yet we had to watch this eternally-spirited woman sit there and receive a lecture on the wonders of being married to a wig-snatcher from the wife of one of them while displaying all the inquiring mind of a hypnotised sloth at an Iranian anti-Israel rally.

Independent

Mr. Clinton is widely reported to receive a lecture fee of $100,000 per speech -- the lecture circuit is expected to provide him with most of his post-White House income -- and organizations that have contracted to hire him in recent days have found themselves the targets of criticism.

The New York Times

The Russian group will meet with Kevin Putnam, a New York/New England dairy specialist with DuPont Pioneer, a seed producer coordinating the tour; receive a lecture from Shields; and visit dairy farms where Shields' biocontrol system has successfully restored alfalfa production.

Cornell University

"Do tell," I smiled back thinly, intrigued but also a bit annoyed, after months of research and weeks of shooting all over the world, to receive a lecture on the subject of my film.

Huffington Post

During the 'Healthcare of Children' module, 4th year medical students receive a lecture in 'Pharmacokinetics and Prescribing in Infants and Children' delivered by a paediatric clinical pharmacist.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It was a great experience to share MIT's approach to STEM education — hands on, experimental — with these students who normally receive a lecture-style education," says Uhr.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He then received a lecture.

The Guardian - Music

AY, YU and EM received a lecture fee from Merck Sharp & Dohme.

Nature

Instead, Mr. Sternlicht received a lecture on democracy.

The New York Times

Simulation students received a lecture and 10 simulator cases.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "receive a lecture" to describe situations where someone is formally or seriously addressed, typically after a mistake or wrongdoing. It suggests a structured form of communication aimed at correction or instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "receive a lecture" to describe casual conversations or friendly advice. This phrase implies a more formal and often critical communication, not a simple exchange of ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receive a lecture" functions as a verbal construction, where "receive" acts as the main verb and "a lecture" functions as the direct object. Ludwig's examples show it depicts the action of being given a formal or serious talk, often as a form of correction or instruction. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

35%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "receive a lecture" is a grammatically sound expression that conveys the act of being formally addressed, often in a corrective or instructive manner. While not exceedingly common, as categorized by Ludwig, it holds a solid presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and academic institutions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "receive a lecture" is correct and commonly used. The expression is appropriate in neutral to formal settings and implies a structured form of communication where one party is imparting wisdom, correction, or information to another. It is crucial to differentiate its use from casual chats, reserving it for scenarios where a more serious tone is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be lectured

A more concise and direct alternative to "receive a lecture".

be given a dressing-down

This is a more intense and negative version of "receive a lecture", implying a severe scolding.

be reprimanded

This term suggests a formal rebuke, similar to receiving a lecture, but often carries a more negative connotation.

be given a scolding

This alternative implies a stronger sense of reprimand than "receive a lecture".

get a talking-to

This is a more informal and often lighter way of saying "receive a lecture".

undergo instruction

This is a formal way of saying "receive a lecture", focusing on the instructional aspect.

be schooled

This alternative suggests being educated or corrected, often in a specific subject or skill.

hear a sermon

Implies receiving moral or spiritual guidance, similar to a lecture, but with a religious context.

be tutored

This phrase implies being taught or instructed, lacking the negative connotation of a reprimand.

be addressed

This implies someone speaking to you about something.

FAQs

How can I use "receive a lecture" in a sentence?

You can use "receive a lecture" in a sentence like this: "After failing the exam, he knew he would "receive a lecture" from his parents."

What is a more formal way to say "receive a lecture"?

A more formal way to express "receive a lecture" could be "undergo instruction" or "be reprimanded", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "receive a lecture"?

While often associated with reprimands, "receive a lecture" can also refer to receiving detailed information or guidance, although it usually implies a corrective element.

What's the difference between "be schooled" and "receive a lecture"?

"Be schooled" is more informal and can imply being shown how something is done, whereas "receive a lecture" suggests a formal address or reprimand.