be talked about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be talked about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subject or topic that is being discussed or mentioned by others. Example: "The new policy is expected to be talked about extensively in the upcoming meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think food should be talked about and noticed.

The Guardian

"We live in a time where everything can be talked about, but I was interested in what still can't be talked about," Ms. Meriwether said.

The New York Times

"Even had that not happened, I'm telling you, something needs to be talked about," Quade said.

The New York Times

I mean, these are things that need to be talked about," he added.

The New York Times

They'll be talked about".

The New York Times

These things have to be talked about.

The New Yorker

Grief needs to be talked about.

The New York Times

It has to be talked about".

Independent

"(It) will probably be talked about.

Independent

And that it would be talked about.

The New Yorker

It should be talked about.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more impact, specify who is doing the talking. For example, instead of "The decision will be talked about", say "The decision will be talked about by analysts and investors".

Common error

Avoid using "be talked about" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more concise. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be talked about" functions primarily as a passive construction. It indicates that a subject or topic is receiving attention and is the focus of conversation or discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. For example, Ludwig provides instances where it is used in news articles and opinion pieces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be talked about" is a grammatically correct and versatile passive construction used to indicate that a subject is receiving or is expected to receive attention and discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While it's a common phrase, it is beneficial to be mindful of using the active voice instead. Alternatives such as "be discussed" or "be mentioned" can provide a more specific nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be discussed

Focuses on the act of formal discussion, implying a more structured conversation.

be mentioned

Indicates a brief or casual reference, lacking the depth of a full discussion.

be discussed extensively

Emphasizes the thoroughness and detail of the discussion.

be under discussion

Highlights the ongoing nature of the discussion.

be a topic of conversation

Stresses the conversational aspect, implying widespread informal discussion.

attract attention

Shifts the focus to gaining notice or interest, rather than direct conversation.

be scrutinized

Suggests a critical and detailed examination.

be debated

Implies a formal argument or disagreement.

be widely reported

Focuses on media coverage, implying public awareness.

gain notoriety

Indicates fame or infamy, often associated with scandal or controversy.

FAQs

How can I use "be talked about" in a sentence?

You can use "be talked about" to indicate that something is being discussed or is likely to be discussed. For example, "The new policy is expected to "be talked about" extensively in the upcoming meetings".

What are some alternatives to "be talked about"?

Some alternatives include "be discussed", "be mentioned", or "be a topic of conversation", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be talked about"?

Yes, "be talked about" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating that something is the subject of discussion.

What's the difference between "be talked about" and "be discussed"?

"Be talked about" often implies a broader, potentially informal discussion, while "be discussed" suggests a more formal or structured conversation. The choice depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey.