chatting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'chatting' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation that involves sharing thoughts and feelings. For example, "My friends and I spent the evening chatting and catching up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He asked Belmondo and Seberg to come for a quick walk down a quieter stretch of the avenue away from the crowds, getting his famous shot of them ambling along chatting.

The Guardian - Arts

"We completely removed all jargon," McAlpine told me (we were chatting in Starbucks).

The Guardian

They are still chatting after I have gone to bed and am lying awake worrying about whether Sam (whose mobile is not working again) is OK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In one, Silvio Berlusconi was laughing with Tony Blair; in another, he was chatting affably with George W Bush. Jacques Chirac, Kofi Annan, even Pope Benedict XVI: the roll call of former leaders went on – and Berlusconi, in a somewhat more youthful guise, was with them all.

The Guardian

The US president and the Danish leader were photographed laughing and chatting during the ceremony, while the US first lady looked on apparently unimpressed.

The Guardian

There really is a false sense of security when you're hidden on an annoymous chat room, until you realise you've been 'virtually' chatting to three other women at the same school gates as you!

The Guardian - Tech

During the lunch, chatting away, picking at the salmon he has ordered from the still giggling waitress, his voice takes on the tones of some of those he has admired or met or worked with.

The Guardian - Film

In Spanish, for example, it's tu when you're having a one-to-one with your mate and vosotros when chatting to your amigos; usted when talking to your bank manager, but ustedes for a gaggle of them.

The Guardian

Daniel: I think doing it on a Sunday morning is a good idea, setting aside a few hours, no tablets or phones, having a nice long brunch, reading the papers and chatting – but we'll probably do this with music on in the future.

The Guardian

The Daily Star continues: After the prayer, Assad was shown [on state TV] spending time with other worshippers, greeting and chatting with some of them.

The Guardian

Thankfully he relented when he heard my breath on his shoulder once more and we settled into a friendlier pace – chatting occasionally – bemoaning the high sun and long straight roads lined with cypress trees but devoid of shade, which reminded me of hot summers in Italy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, using "chatting" can add a sense of realism and informality, making the situation more relatable to the reader. For instance, "The cafe was filled with people 'chatting' and laughing."

Common error

While "chatting" is suitable for informal settings, it's often too casual for formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "discussing", "conversing", or "engaging in dialogue" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chatting" is as a verb in its present participle form, often used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Film

5%

Music

5%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chatting" is a versatile verb form primarily used to describe informal conversations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Lifestyle domains. While highly suitable for casual settings, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "discussing" or "conversing" in professional or academic writing. Remember, using "chatting" adds a relatable and realistic touch to your descriptions, making your writing more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a conversation

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the interaction.

engaging in conversation

Highlights the active participation of individuals in the dialogue.

talking informally

Focuses on the casual and relaxed nature of the discussion.

having a discussion

Suggests a more structured or purposeful exchange of ideas.

conversing casually

Emphasizes the unhurried and friendly atmosphere of the interaction.

exchanging words

Highlights the simple act of communication without specifying the content.

making small talk

Refers to light and superficial conversation.

shooting the breeze

An idiomatic expression for casual and relaxed conversation.

chewing the fat

Informal way of saying having a long and relaxed conversation.

passing the time in conversation

Emphasizes the use of conversation as a way to alleviate boredom.

FAQs

How can I use "chatting" in a sentence?

"Chatting" is used to describe a casual conversation. For example, "We spent the afternoon "chatting" about our day."

What's a more formal alternative to "chatting"?

For more formal situations, you can use terms like "discussing", "conversing", or "engaging in dialogue".

Is "chatting" appropriate for academic writing?

While "chatting" is acceptable in informal contexts, it's generally not suitable for academic writing. Use more formal alternatives like "discussing" or "analyzing" instead.

What's the difference between "chatting" and "discussing"?

"Chatting" implies a casual conversation, while "discussing" suggests a more formal and focused conversation, often with a specific purpose.