received a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "received a speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being given or presented with a speech, typically in a formal or public context. Example: "During the ceremony, the audience received a speech from the guest of honor that inspired everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

[In} the shop people know me, so there isn't that much of an issue. But getting out of this area and this society...I am scared," Mani said. When Mani went to a plastic surgeon, he received a speech on religion. "Then we went to a shop, and a man started yelling that you are a woman.

Huffington Post

The authors reported the following competing interest: Dr. Bandeira received a speech fee from Pfizer.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We arrived at a McDonald's in Craigieburn to find a hundred bikers talking, smoking and receiving a speech about civility from the cops.

Vice

Me and the other VICE guys arrived at a McDonald's in Craigieburn to find a hundred bikies talking, smoking and receiving a speech about civility from the cops.

Vice

Team GB captain Ryan Giggs, 38, said the squad received an inspirational speech from double gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.

BBC

England players have also received an introductory speech at their hotel from Dr Steve Peters, the acclaimed psychiatrist who will be with the camp this summer.

BBC

He was released after receiving a lecture about freedom of speech.

The New Yorker

Beyer received a B.A. in speech and French from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and an M.A. in special education from Boston University.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She graduated from Wesleyan University and received a master's in speech language pathology from the University of Maryland.

The New York Times

She graduated from Brooklyn College, from which she also received a master's in speech language pathology.

The New York Times

She graduated from the University of Michigan and received a master's in speech language pathology and audiology from New York University.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "received a speech", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the act of listening to a formal presentation. Synonyms like "heard a lecture" or "listened to an address" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "received a speech" when the emphasis is on the speaker's delivery rather than the audience's experience. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The speaker received a speech" unless you mean someone gave them a pre-written speech to read aloud.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received a speech" functions as a verbal phrase, where "received" is the verb and "a speech" is the object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. It denotes the action of being presented with or listening to a formal address.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "received a speech" is grammatically correct but relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's primarily used in news and scientific contexts to describe the act of listening to a formal presentation. While accurate, consider alternatives like "heard a lecture" or "listened to an address" for more common and nuanced expressions. When writing, ensure the emphasis is on the recipient's experience, avoiding the phrase when describing the speaker's action of giving a speech. While grammatically sound, a more common phrasing might enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heard a lecture

Focuses on the auditory experience of listening to a formal presentation, similar to a speech.

listened to an address

Emphasizes the act of paying attention to a formal oration.

was presented with an address

Focuses on the formal offering of a speech to a recipient.

was given a talk

Highlights the act of being presented with a spoken presentation.

took in an oration

Emphasizes the reception of a formal and elaborate speech.

attended a presentation

Focuses on being present at an event where a speech is given.

experienced a keynote

Implies listening to a significant speech at an event or conference.

was in the audience for a discourse

Indicates being part of a group listening to a formal and extended speech.

sat through a homily

Implies listening to a speech with a moral or religious theme, often lengthy.

was subjected to a tirade

Suggests being forced to listen to a long, critical, or angry speech.

FAQs

What does "received a speech" mean?

The phrase "received a speech" means that someone listened to or was presented with a formal spoken presentation. It implies being the recipient of a delivered address or lecture.

What are some alternatives to "received a speech"?

Alternatives include "heard a lecture", "listened to an address", or "was given a talk", depending on the formality and context.

Is it more common to say "received a speech" or "heard a speech"?

While both are grammatically correct, "heard a speech" is generally more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English. "Received a speech" has a more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "received a speech"?

It is appropriate when emphasizing the act of being given or presented with a speech, particularly in formal or official settings. It's suitable when the focus is on the recipient's experience of listening to the speech.