given to talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given to talk" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where someone is inclined or prone to talking, but it is not commonly used. Example: "She is often given to talk about her travels, sharing stories from her adventures."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So put him on interview duty after David Cameron's latest tax pledges and who is he given to talk to?

The Guardian

He heads a venture called Electronic Commerce Center, is given to talk of "start-up incubators," and is busy turning a 100-acre site occupied in cold-war days by the British Rhine Army into a new-economy hub.

The New York Times

What I have to do with that time I'm given to talk about these deals is figure out the concept, if it's the right company to introduce him to the executive team.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Annan is not given to talking much about his family or his early years.

The New Yorker

Mr. Romney is, by nature, intensely private, not given to talking about himself, even with friends.

The New York Times

Not much given to talking, he nevertheless has a great deal to say.

The Guardian - Arts

Quality standards 5 and 7 call for greater consideration to be given to talking therapies as a form of treatment compared with medication.

BMJ Quality and Safety

I would give anything I have to give to talk to her again, just for an hour.

The Guardian - Books

Jamison was given to sweeter talk.

The New Yorker

He is a consummate retail politician, given to small talk and an avuncular style.

The New York Times

Talk of victory has given way to talk about how to limit a disaster.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given to talk", ensure the context is clear and that it refers to a tendency or permission to speak, not just a single instance of talking. Rephrasing to "inclined to speak" or "prone to talking" might be clearer for some readers.

Common error

Avoid using "given to talk" when you mean "allowed to speak" or "permitted to talk". The phrase primarily indicates a tendency or inclination, not permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given to talk" functions primarily as an adjective phrase describing a tendency or permission related to speaking. Ludwig's examples indicate usage in contexts where someone is either naturally inclined to converse or has been authorized to speak on a topic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "given to talk" is a relatively uncommon expression used to indicate a tendency or permission to speak. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a standard phrase in written English. While grammatically acceptable, it may sound somewhat unusual to modern ears, as evidenced by its limited usage in contemporary sources. Predominantly found in news and media, its communicative purpose is to describe someone's inclination towards speaking. For clearer communication, alternatives like "inclined to speak" or "prone to talking" are recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to speak

This phrase suggests a natural tendency to talk, similar to "given to talk" but perhaps implying a stronger predisposition.

prone to talking

This alternative highlights a vulnerability or likelihood to engage in conversation, often without restraint.

disposed to conversation

This phrase conveys a willingness or readiness to engage in dialogue, emphasizing a positive attitude toward speaking.

apt to chat

This suggests a casual and informal tendency to engage in friendly conversation.

liable to discuss

This alternative emphasizes a probability or risk of entering into a discussion, potentially implying a more serious topic.

tending to converse

This suggests a general inclination towards exchanging thoughts and ideas through speech.

having a penchant for talking

This conveys a fondness or liking for talking, highlighting an enjoyment of conversation.

with a proclivity for speech

This phrase emphasizes a natural inclination or predisposition toward speaking, often in a formal context.

talkative by nature

This emphasizes that being talkative is part of their inherent character.

someone who enjoys speaking

This is a straightforward way to describe someone who likes to talk.

FAQs

What does "given to talk" mean?

The phrase "given to talk" means having a tendency or inclination to talk. It can also refer to being granted permission or opportunity to speak in certain contexts.

What can I say instead of "given to talk"?

You can use alternatives like "inclined to speak", "prone to talking", or "disposed to conversation" depending on the context.

Is "given to talk" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "given to talk" is less common in modern English. Using alternatives like "inclined to speak" or "prone to talking" may result in clearer communication.

How can I use "given to talk" in a sentence?

Example: "He was once the BBC's neo-Keynesian guru... So put him on interview duty after David Cameron's latest tax pledges and who is he "given to talk" to?"