are talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are talking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or subject matter in a conversational or informal context. Example: "In our meeting, we are talking about the new marketing strategy for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See what people are talking about!

WikiHow

We are talking about corruption.

Independent

We are talking about genes.

The New Yorker

We are talking about artists".

The New York Times

They are talking about reform.

The New York Times

"They are talking about weapons.

The New York Times

We are talking about football.

The New York Times - Sports

People are talking about it.

The New York Times

More are talking about it.

The Economist

You are talking about models.

Yale University

We are talking about gods and engineers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are talking about", ensure the context is clear and the subject of discussion is easily identifiable to avoid ambiguity. Consider if a more precise verb like "discussing", "addressing", or "mentioning" might be more appropriate for your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "are talking about" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more specific and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the nature of the discussion. For instance, instead of "are talking about the results", consider "are analyzing the results" or "are interpreting the results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are talking about" functions as part of a verb phrase, specifically the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing discussion or conversation regarding a particular subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatical and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are talking about" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate an ongoing discussion on a given topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed in diverse contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. While appropriate for most situations, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives like "discussing" or "addressing" in highly formal settings. Remember to ensure the subject of discussion remains clear to avoid any ambiguity. Usage patterns show it is most frequently found in News & Media. Remember that, as the frequency of use suggests, in most cases a more specific verb can make your writing more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are discussing

Replaces "talking" with a more formal synonym, implying a more structured conversation.

are conversing about

Uses a more formal and elaborate verb for "talking", suggesting a deeper conversation.

are referring to

Indicates a specific mention or allusion to a topic, shifting the focus from general discussion.

are mentioning

Implies a brief or casual reference, rather than an in-depth discussion.

are addressing

Suggests a more direct and purposeful approach to a topic, often implying problem-solving.

are considering

Highlights that the topic is under evaluation, rather than simply being discussed.

are examining

Indicates a detailed and methodical investigation of the subject.

are exploring

Suggests an open-ended and curious approach to the subject, focusing on discovery.

are debating

Highlights that there are differing opinions, with an emphasis on argumentation.

are touching upon

Implies a brief or superficial discussion, often as a prelude to a more detailed analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "are talking about" to introduce the topic of a conversation or discussion, such as, "We "are talking about" the new marketing strategy" or "The experts "are talking about" climate change".

What are some alternatives to "are talking about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are discussing", "are addressing", or "are mentioning" to convey different nuances of the conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "are talking about"?

"Are talking about" is suitable for informal and conversational contexts. In more formal writing, consider using more precise verbs like "are analyzing" or "are examining" to convey a higher level of specificity.

What's the difference between "are talking about" and "are discussing"?

While both phrases indicate a conversation, "are discussing" often implies a more structured and purposeful exchange of ideas, whereas "are talking about" can be a more general and informal reference to a topic.