if we're talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"if we're talking about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you are referring to a topic that has already been discussed. For example: "I'm not sure if that's possible, if we're talking about the same project we discussed earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or checks, if we're talking about the city's public schools.

The New York Times

"But if we're talking about motivation, that's far more banal".

The New Yorker

If we're talking about a boom, what are the comparisons?

The Guardian

If we're talking about a capacity to change?

The Guardian - Film

If we're talking about acquisitions, I want to know their opinions, their thoughts.

The New York Times

If we're talking about scaling up, we're talking about a lot of money.

The New York Times

If we're talking about improving handling and drivability, this is something the driver can perceive".

The New York Times

"If we're talking about the heyday of the bonkbuster, you think of Judith Krantz's Scruples.

Independent

It's a fair statement if we're talking about the long run.

The New York Times

"If we're talking about the S.H.S.A.T., I've seen students learn a lot in three weeks".

The New York Times

If we're talking about 2020, there are also rising figures like Kamala Harris, California's attorney general.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if we're talking about" to clearly signal a shift to a specific aspect of a broader topic, helping to maintain focus and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "if we're talking about" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "regarding" or "concerning" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we're talking about" functions as a conditional connector. It introduces a specific topic or aspect within a broader discussion, often to narrow the focus or provide a specific example. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if we're talking about" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a specific aspect of a broader topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in written English. While it's most frequently found in news and media, it's less formal than alternatives like "regarding" or "concerning". When choosing the most appropriate phrase, consider the context and desired level of formality. Remember that overuse in formal writing should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we consider

Poses the topic as something to be actively thought about.

when discussing

Focuses on the act of discussing, suitable when the context emphasizes conversation.

when it comes to

Informal way to introduce a new but related topic.

in the context of

Emphasizes the surrounding circumstances relevant to the subject.

in terms of

Highlights which specific aspect is being examined.

with regard to

Highlights a specific point or aspect under consideration.

considering

Suggests contemplation or thought about a particular topic.

concerning the matter of

Formal and emphasizes the issue being addressed.

regarding the issue of

Draws specific attention to a particular problem or concern.

on the subject of

Formally introduces the topic being discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "if we're talking about" in a sentence?

You can use "if we're talking about" to introduce a specific aspect or topic within a broader discussion. For instance, "If we're talking about budget constraints, then we need to prioritize our projects carefully".

What are some alternatives to "if we're talking about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "when discussing", "in the context of", or "with regard to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "if we're talking about" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "if we're talking about" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "concerning the matter of" or "regarding the issue of".

What's the difference between "if we consider" and "if we're talking about"?

"If we consider" ("if we consider") suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful examination of a topic, whereas "if we're talking about" is a more general way to introduce a specific subject within a broader discussion.