better talked about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better talked about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that a topic is more effectively discussed or communicated verbally rather than in writing. Example: "This sensitive issue is better talked about in person rather than through email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The nose-picking numbness of the pictures may have been what Warhol had in mind when, in his last interview, he said the movies were "better talked about than seen".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It makes me feel better talking about him".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Better talking about the macro stuff than the micro stuff.

The Guardian

"But I've got to get better talking about it all," she said.

The New York Times

I'M surprised by the number of people who should know better, talking about ugly playoff basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

But Maynard and the others said that McCain had better talk about jobs and gas prices if he wanted to keep his audience.

The New Yorker

"I think a coach with his story in the game is better talking about football without commenting on the work of his colleagues.

The Guardian - Sport

It's that time of year again – July – which means we'd better talk about what you'll be wearing this winter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If we really need to talk about smartness, we should better talk about smart land (Bonomi and Masiero 2014) or about smart citizens (Ratti 2013; Hemment and Townsend 2013).

City, Territory and Architecture

Still, we'd better talk about the one-man show, because that -- it's more than clear -- is why I'm here.

Huffington Post

"Barbara and I have better things to talk about," Stewart said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase. It's most effective when the need for verbal communication is clear and beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "better talked about" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise and detailed analysis might be expected. In such contexts, direct evidence and written argumentation are usually preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better talked about" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a preference or suitability for verbal discussion over other forms of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It often appears when suggesting a more nuanced or sensitive approach to a subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better talked about" is grammatically correct and usable, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's most effective for emphasizing the advantages of verbal discussion over other communication methods, especially for complex or sensitive topics. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, including news, media, and science. For formal settings, consider using alternatives like "more effectively communicated verbally" or "better discussed". Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better to discuss

Focuses on the act of discussion rather than general talking, implying a more structured conversation.

more effectively communicated verbally

Emphasizes the effectiveness of verbal communication over other methods.

better discussed than written

Specifies that the preference is for discussion over written communication.

more appropriate to discuss

Highlights the appropriateness of discussing the topic, suggesting sensitivity.

easier to explain verbally

Indicates that the topic is simpler to convey through speech.

better to address in conversation

Suggests a direct and personal approach through conversation is preferable.

more suited for verbal exchange

Implies the topic is better handled through a two-way verbal exchange.

preferable to talk through

Highlights a preference for resolving or understanding something through conversation.

better explored through dialogue

Indicates that the topic benefits from an exploratory conversation.

more conducive to verbal exploration

Suggests verbal communication facilitates a deeper understanding of the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "better talked about" to suggest that a topic is more effectively discussed verbally than through other means. For instance, "This sensitive issue is "better talked about" in person rather than in an email".

What's a more formal alternative to "better talked about"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "more effectively communicated verbally" or "better discussed" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "better talked about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "better talked about" is grammatically correct. It uses "better" as an adjective modifying the past participle "talked", indicating a preference for verbal discussion.

When is it appropriate to use "better talked about"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance or effectiveness of discussing a topic verbally, especially when dealing with complex, sensitive, or nuanced issues where direct interaction can clarify misunderstandings more effectively.