by talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"by talking about" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to introduce the topic or subject of a sentence or to explain how something is being accomplished. Example sentence: By talking about different cultures and traditions, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This might explain why they do not seem to be relieved by talking about demanding experiences.

BMC Public Health

By talking about it.

Harvard Business Review

By talking about poop and spit up.

The New York Times - Magazine

She began by talking about "our work".

The New York Times

By talking about ethics now.

The Washington Post

She began by talking about Brazil's economy.

The New Yorker

And let's start by talking about race.

The Washington Post

He starts by talking about eurozone reforms.

The Guardian

And she began by talking about breakfast.

Harvard Business Review

By talking about it, we'll unlock solutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's cloaked itself by talking about choice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "by talking about" with specific details to make your writing more engaging and less vague. For example, instead of "by talking about issues", use "by talking about specific policy changes".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "by talking about". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader interest and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by talking about" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a gerund. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to introduce a topic or explain how something is being accomplished.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by talking about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce a topic of discussion or explain a method of achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles, from news articles to academic papers. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases like "through discussing" or "regarding" to maintain variety in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by discussing

Slightly more concise, omitting 'talking' for directness.

through discussing

Focuses on the means of communication, implying a more formal or structured approach.

via discussing

Similar to 'through discussing', emphasizing the method of communication.

when speaking of

Highlights the act of speaking about something.

in discussing

Emphasizes the action of discussing itself.

when addressing

Shifts the focus to formally addressing a topic.

on the subject of

Formally introduces the topic of discussion.

in reference to

More formal and specific, indicating a direct reference to something.

concerning

A concise and formal way to introduce a topic.

regarding

Similar to 'concerning', but slightly more common in everyday speech.

FAQs

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

You can use "by talking about" to introduce the subject or method of a discussion. For example, "By talking about climate change, we can raise awareness."

What are some alternatives to "by talking about"?

Alternatives include "through discussing", "via discussing", or "regarding" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by talking about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by talking about". It functions as an introductory prepositional phrase.

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

While both phrases are similar, "by discussing" is more concise and focuses directly on the act of discussion. "By talking about" emphasizes the verbal communication aspect.