start talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start talking" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it usually indicates the beginning of a conversation or a request for someone to speak. Here are some examples: - "I was waiting for my friend to start talking, but she seemed lost in thought." - "As soon as the teacher left the room, the students started talking and passing notes." - "The police officer asked the suspect to start talking and tell them what happened." - "When the politician was asked about the scandal, she refused to start talking and avoided the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They start talking.

The New York Times

He decided to start talking.

The New York Times

We'll start talking about that.

The New York Times - Sports

They start talking about merit.

The New Yorker

We'll start talking.

The New York Times - Sports

They start talking, too.

The New Yorker

I'd start talking to him.

The Guardian

The Gillmen eventually start talking.

The New York Times - Tech

They should start talking now.

The Guardian

Well, until we start talking.

The Guardian

They start talking, moving around.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start talking" to indicate the beginning of a conversation or discussion. Be mindful of the context to ensure it fits the overall tone and formality.

Common error

Avoid using "start talking" when you mean to convey a continuous action. If the conversation is ongoing, consider using phrases like "continue talking" or "keep talking" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start talking" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of speech or conversation. It signals the commencement of verbal communication, which is confirmed by Ludwig examples and Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start talking" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the initiation of speech or conversation. Ludwig and Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use the phrase appropriately to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like ""begin speaking"" or ""initiate dialogue"" can be used to vary expression. When writing, ensure that "start talking" accurately reflects the beginning of a spoken exchange and consider alternatives if the conversation is ongoing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin speaking

Emphasizes the initiation of the act of speaking.

commence conversation

More formal alternative, highlighting the beginning of a dialogue.

initiate dialogue

Focuses on the active opening of a conversational exchange.

open discussions

Suggests starting a more formal or structured conversation.

get a conversation going

Focuses on initiating and maintaining a conversation.

get the ball rolling

Idiomatic expression implying the start of a conversation or activity.

launch into conversation

Suggests starting a conversation with enthusiasm or abruptly.

embark on a discussion

More formal and deliberate start to a conversation.

break the silence

Highlights ending a period of quiet with the start of talking.

utter the first words

Emphasizes the first vocalizations in a conversation.

FAQs

What does "start talking" mean?

"Start talking" means to begin speaking or initiating a conversation. It implies the commencement of verbal communication.

How can I use "start talking" in a sentence?

You can use "start talking" in sentences like: "They should "initiate dialogue" now" or "We need to "begin speaking" about the issue."

What are some alternatives to "start talking"?

Some alternatives include phrases like ""begin speaking"", "commence conversation", or ""initiate dialogue"" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "start to talk" the same as "start talking"?

While similar, "start talking" often implies a more immediate initiation of speech, whereas "start to talk" can sometimes suggest a gradual process of beginning to speak. However, in most contexts, they are interchangeable.