teach a lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teach a lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you are referring to imparting knowledge to someone. For example: The professor wanted to teach a lesson about the history of early civilizations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was my instinct to teach a lesson unethical?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Ferris is wise enough not to teach a lesson.

The Economist

"That's a much more valuable way to teach a lesson".

The New York Times

"I'm not trying to teach a lesson to anyone.

The New York Times

"So that will teach a lesson to all of us".

The New York Times

Enough to teach a lesson to scruffy – albeit beloved – Western metropolises like New York or London.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have all the leverage to teach a lesson to shameless feudal lords," Mr. Saakashvili said.

The New York Times

While pretending to teach a lesson in compassion, it wallows in the perks of privilege.

The New York Times

They say they want to teach a lesson to the people.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The past is trying to teach a lesson, connecting Scripture to our daily lives," he added.

The New York Times

His paintings weren't about anything, and aimed neither to tell a story nor teach a lesson.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "teach a lesson", consider the audience and context to ensure the message is delivered effectively and avoid unintended negative connotations, particularly in situations involving punishment or discipline.

Common error

Avoid using "teach a lesson" when describing actions intended as revenge or punishment, as it can sound harsh or vindictive. Instead, opt for terms like "correct the behavior" or "guide towards better choices" to maintain a more constructive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "teach a lesson" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically describes the act of imparting knowledge, skills, or a moral principle to someone. Ludwig AI shows its use in various contexts, from academic instruction to everyday life experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "teach a lesson" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe imparting knowledge or guiding someone toward better understanding or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, though it's important to consider the tone and audience, especially when the phrase implies punishment. Alternatives such as "impart knowledge" or "provide instruction" may be more appropriate in certain situations. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news media and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impart knowledge

Focuses on the act of giving knowledge, slightly more formal.

educate someone

General term for providing knowledge and skills.

convey understanding

Emphasizes the transfer of comprehension, rather than specific instruction.

explain concepts

Highlights the act of making ideas understandable, more explanatory.

provide instruction

Highlights the act of giving directions or commands, more direct.

give a tutorial

Offer specific practical instructions or demonstration.

share insights

Focuses on communicating a deeper understanding or perspective.

offer guidance

Suggests providing direction or advice, less about direct teaching.

demonstrate principles

Implies illustrating a concept through example.

instill values

Focuses on teaching moral or ethical beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "teach a lesson" in a sentence?

You can use "teach a lesson" to describe imparting knowledge, skills, or values. For instance, "The experience helped "teach a lesson" about resilience" or "The coach aimed to "teach a lesson" about teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "teach a lesson"?

Alternatives include "impart knowledge", "convey understanding", or "provide instruction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "teach a lesson"?

It may be inappropriate to use "teach a lesson" in contexts where the action implies punishment or revenge, as this can create a negative or aggressive tone. In such cases, consider using more constructive phrasing like "help someone learn from their mistakes".

What's the difference between "teach a lesson" and "give a lecture"?

"Teach a lesson" generally refers to imparting specific knowledge or skills, often in a practical or experiential way, while "give a lecture" typically involves a more formal presentation of information on a particular subject.