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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are you doing talking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are you doing talking" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It seems to be an incorrect combination of words that may be attempting to ask about someone's current activity related to talking. Example: "Are you doing any talking during the meeting today?"
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
What are you doing talking about sodomy?
News & Media
What are you doing?" "Talking to you".
News & Media
He asked me jovially: "What are you doing talking to this right-wing loony?" David Elstein, a veteran broadcaster who began his career at the BBC and now, in his late 60s, is a vocal critic of the licence fee, is a more complex figure.
News & Media
So if you really have a story you think you're ready to tell, what are you doing talking to me?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
What were you doing talking on the phone to the sexually transmitted infections clinic?
News & Media
What are you doing?" Just random talk helps.
Wiki
"What are you doing?" can be followed with, "Talking to you" or "sitting on a chair".
Wiki
If you get meaning right, it won't just be you doing the talking.
News & Media
THE first rule of withdrawal is you do not talk about withdrawal.
News & Media
The first rule of Fight Club is, You don't talk about Fight Club.
News & Media
"The general code of the street is you don't talk," said McCracken, 28.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "are you doing talking" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "what are you talking about" or "are you speaking".
Common error
The phrase "are you doing talking" incorrectly combines the present continuous tense with a gerund. Ensure correct verb conjugation by using "what are you talking about" instead.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are you doing talking" functions as an interrogative phrase aimed at inquiring about someone's current conversational activity. While grammatically questionable, the intent is to understand the subject or content of the ongoing discussion. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Wiki
50%
Science
0%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are you doing talking" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in formal contexts. Ludwig AI identifies it as such. It appears mostly in informal settings like news media and wikis. For clearer and more accurate communication, consider alternatives like "what are you talking about" or "are you speaking". These alternatives maintain the intent of inquiring about a conversation while adhering to standard English grammar.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
what are you talking about
A common, grammatically correct phrase that asks about the subject of the conversation.
are you talking
Shorter, grammatically correct version that directly asks if someone is currently speaking.
what are you saying
Focuses on the content of the speech rather than the act of speaking.
what are you speaking about
A more formal way of asking about the topic of discussion.
what are you discussing
Implies a more formal or structured conversation.
are you currently speaking
Emphasizes the present moment of speaking.
are you having a conversation
More explicitly asks about engaging in a conversation.
what's your topic of conversation
Focuses on identifying the theme of the dialogue.
what are you chatting about
Suggests a more informal and casual conversation.
is this a conversation
Questions the nature of the interaction.
FAQs
What's grammatically wrong with "are you doing talking"?
The phrase "are you doing talking" uses an incorrect verb construction. A correct alternative is "what are you talking about", which uses the present continuous tense correctly.
What can I say instead of "are you doing talking"?
You can use alternatives like "what are you talking about", "are you speaking", or "are you having a conversation" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "are you doing talking" or "what are you talking about"?
"What are you talking about" is the grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. "Are you doing talking" is considered incorrect.
How to use "what are you talking about" in a sentence?
You can use "what are you talking about" to ask someone to clarify or explain what they are discussing, such as, "I don't understand. What are you talking about?"
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested