smooth talking

USAGE SUMMARY

"smooth talking" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to someone's ability to speak persuasively and effortlessly. Example: The politician's smooth talking won over the crowd, earning him their votes in the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Smooth talking: I don't have an accent.

The New York Times

The leading republican player is "Gentleman Joe Geraghtyy, a smooth talking but ruthless and amoral commander.

The Guardian - Books

Regev was around but this time his smooth talking was less important.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can see the future and its Five Live smooth talking American twang presenters.

BBC

The talented, handsome, funny, smooth talking (we could go on...) Channing Tatum joins Grimmy in the studio.

BBC

"Thought he was just another smooth talking brother?" says an inquisitive Chicago mom.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We may be tempted to follow smooth-talking pundits slavishly.

The Guardian - Money

Perhaps he has really been charmed Russian smooth-talking.

HuffPost

Are we still swooning over the smooth-talking, ever elusive, charismatic catch?

Huffington Post

The smooth-talking Mr Azevêdo has promised to save it.

The Economist

Frankly, he sounds like yet another smooth-talking politician.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smooth talking" to describe someone who is persuasive and charming with their words. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes imply insincerity or manipulation.

Common error

While "smooth talking" can describe a charming and persuasive individual, it can also imply that someone is being manipulative or insincere. Consider whether a more neutral term like "persuasive communication" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth talking" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun (often a person) to indicate their ability to communicate in a persuasive and charming manner. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing politicians, salesmen, and even fictional characters.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smooth talking" describes the ability to communicate persuasively and charmingly, though it can sometimes imply insincerity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While generally neutral in register, its connotation can shift from positive to negative depending on the context. Common synonyms include "persuasive speaking" and being "silver-tongued". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in describing public figures and their communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silver-tongued

An idiomatic expression implying skillful and persuasive but possibly insincere speech.

persuasive speaking

Focuses on the effectiveness of the speech in convincing others, rather than just the charm.

charming talk

Emphasizes the pleasant and attractive quality of the speech.

gift of gab

An informal idiom referring to the natural ability to speak fluently and persuasively.

articulate communication

Highlights the clarity and eloquence of the speech.

honeyed words

Focuses on the sweet and flattering nature of the speech.

eloquent speech

Focuses on the refined and expressive nature of the speech.

suave speech

Highlights the sophisticated and confident manner of speaking.

glib talk

Suggests fluency and ease of speaking, but with a negative connotation of insincerity.

slick rhetoric

Implies a polished and persuasive style, but often with a hint of manipulation.

FAQs

How to use "smooth talking" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth talking" to describe someone's ability to speak persuasively and effortlessly. For example, "The politician's "smooth talking" won over many voters."

What does it mean if someone is described as "smooth talking"?

It typically means they are good at persuading people with their words, often in a charming or charismatic way. However, it can also suggest that they might be insincere or manipulative.

What are some synonyms for "smooth talking"?

Some alternatives include "persuasive speaking", "charming talk", or being "silver-tongued", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "smooth talking" always a positive trait?

Not necessarily. While it can indicate charisma and persuasiveness, it can also imply dishonesty or manipulation. The context is crucial in determining whether it's meant as a compliment or a criticism.