I talked them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I talked them" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to convey communication with a group, but the structure is incorrect. Example: "I talked to them about the project during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I talked them into six weeks," she said.

The New York Times

I talked them into changing the bus stop to my house because I thought it didn't make sense.

The New York Times

"That got their attention, and I talked them through how I would approach it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Next I talked them through the sorrows of the pear-shaped woman.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We had been given orders not to let any one through, but I talked them round.

The Guardian

"I talked them into putting more production on the song," Mr. Husky recalled in a 1998 interview with the Texas disc jockey Tracy Pitcox.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

When I got clean, I sat them down, I talked to them.

The New York Times - Sports

I was able to touch them and I talked to them every day.

BBC

Most of them are just unhealthy people, I talked with them.

Wikipedia

I talked to them.

The New York Times

Have I talked to them?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express that you convinced a group of people to do or believe something, use stronger verbs like "persuaded" or "convinced" instead of the grammatically questionable phrase "I talked them".

Common error

Avoid using "talked" directly followed by a pronoun like "them" to mean you convinced or persuaded someone. Instead, use "talked to them" for conversation or stronger verbs if you mean influencing a decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I talked them" functions as a verb phrase where the verb "talked" is directly followed by a pronoun, which is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates this structure is non-standard. It attempts to convey communication or influence, but requires a preposition or a stronger verb for correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while instances of the phrase "I talked them" exist, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this with the statement that the phrase is not correct in standard written English. A more appropriate way to phrase this would be "I talked to them" for general conversation, or using verbs like "persuaded" or "convinced" to indicate influence. Understanding these nuances ensures clarity and credibility in your writing. Always consider the context and audience when choosing the best way to express your ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I persuaded them

Focuses on successfully convincing someone to do something.

I convinced them

Emphasizes a successful effort to make someone believe something.

I spoke to them

A general term for having a conversation.

I swayed them

Indicates gently shifting someone's opinion or decision.

I discussed it with them

Implies a more in-depth conversation.

I influenced them

Suggests having an effect on their opinions or actions.

I communicated with them

A formal way of saying you exchanged information.

I advised them

Implies giving guidance or recommendations.

I negotiated with them

Highlights a process of bargaining or compromise.

I consulted with them

Suggests seeking their opinion or expertise.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I talked them"?

The phrase "I talked them" is grammatically incorrect. Use "I talked to them" for a conversation, or "I persuaded them" /s/persuaded+them or "I convinced them" /s/convinced+them to indicate influence.

Can "I talked them" be considered acceptable in informal speech?

While it might be understood in very informal contexts, it's best to avoid "I talked them" even in casual conversation. Opt for clearer alternatives like "I spoke to them" or "I talked with them" to ensure proper grammar.

When should I use "I talked to them" instead of "I talked them into"?

"I talked to them" simply means you had a conversation. Use "I talked them into" when you convinced them to do something specific, such as "I talked them into going to the movies". Consider also using "I convinced them to go to the movies" /s/convinced+them to go to+the+movies or "I persuaded them to go to the movies" /s/persuaded+them to go to+the+movies.

What are some alternatives to "I talked them" that express influence or persuasion?

If you want to convey that you influenced someone's decision, use phrases like "I persuaded them" /s/persuaded+them, "I convinced them" /s/convinced+them, or "I influenced their decision" /s/influenced+their+decision. These options are grammatically correct and clearly communicate your intended meaning.