I was talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was talking about" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when the speaker or writer wants to clarify or specify the topic of their previous conversation or statement. Example: "I was talking about my favorite book earlier. Have you read it too?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"That was the prejudice I was talking about," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was talking about infidelity.

The New Yorker

I was talking about me, Norberto.

The New Yorker

Thought I was talking about Charlie.

The New Yorker

I was talking about it today.

The New York Times - Sports

I think I was talking about Ortiz.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That's what I'm talking about.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm talking about baseball.

The Economist

I am talking about money.

Independent

I am talking about consultants.

The New York Times

I'm talking about improvement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “I was talking about”, be precise and avoid ambiguity. Make sure it's clear what you're referring back to, especially if multiple topics have been discussed.

Common error

Avoid using “I was talking about” without a clear antecedent. If your audience can't easily identify the previous topic, rephrase or provide more context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was talking about" serves as a discourse marker, signaling a return to a previously mentioned topic. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase works to clarify and refocus the conversation. It ensures the listener or reader understands which subject is currently under consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was talking about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to refer back to a topic that was previously introduced. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct way to specify or clarify what one was previously discussing. This expression commonly appears in various contexts such as news and media, academic settings, and general conversations, making it a versatile and useful phrase. However, clarity is key; ensure there's a clear link to what you're referencing to avoid any confusion. High-quality sources like the New York Times and The New Yorker use it regularly, so you can feel confident in its appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I mentioned

A simpler and more direct way of saying that you brought something up.

I am referring to

Shifts the tense to present continuous, emphasizing the ongoing relevance.

I referred to

Uses a more formal verb, 'referred', to indicate the act of mentioning something.

My previous point concerned

Connects the current statement to a previous point in a discussion.

What I was discussing was

Focuses on the act of discussing, rather than just mentioning.

Earlier, I spoke of

Highlights the time frame ('earlier') and uses 'spoke of' as a more literary alternative.

I was alluding to

Implies a more indirect or suggestive reference.

Before, I touched upon

Indicates a brief or cursory mention of something.

The subject I was addressing was

More formal and emphasizes the topic being addressed.

I had in mind

Focuses on the speaker's intention or mental state.

FAQs

What does "I was talking about" mean?

The phrase "I was talking about" indicates that you are referring back to something you previously mentioned in a conversation or piece of writing. It's used to clarify or emphasize a specific topic.

How can I use "I was talking about" in a sentence?

You can use it to reconnect to a previous topic. For example: "I was talking about the new project earlier; have you had a chance to review the proposal?"

What's a more formal way to say "I was talking about"?

More formal alternatives include "I referred to", "I mentioned", or "The subject I was addressing was". For example: "I referred to the budget constraints in my previous email".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I was talking about"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable, especially when you are continuing a conversation or adding detail to a previously mentioned topic.