started talking

USAGE SUMMARY

"started talking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone began speaking. Example sentence: She started talking before I had a chance to explain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Andy just started talking.

The New York Times - Magazine

We immediately started talking.

The New York Times

They started talking.

The New York Times

We started talking.

The New York Times

Instead, I started talking.

The New Yorker

And we started talking.

Cornell University

They immediately started talking.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He started talking about price.

The New York Times

I started talking to him".

The New York Times

"From there, we started talking".

The New York Times

He started talking to me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started talking" to indicate the beginning of a conversation or discourse. Ensure the context clearly identifies who initiated the conversation and, if relevant, the topic or setting.

Common error

Avoid using "started talking" when the intent is to convey one-sided speech or a lecture. "Started speaking" is a better alternative when it's not a two-way conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started talking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of speech or conversation. It describes the action of someone beginning to speak, often in the context of an interaction with others. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started talking" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the beginning of speech or conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and broadly applicable. While versatile, it's best used to describe situations where a dialogue or exchange is initiated, as opposed to a one-sided speech. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources like the The New York Times and BBC underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance in both formal and informal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "began speaking" or "initiated conversation" for a more formal tone, or "struck up a conversation" for a more casual or spontaneous context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began speaking

Focuses on the act of speaking rather than the conversational aspect.

initiated conversation

Emphasizes the beginning of a dialogue or exchange.

commenced speaking

A more formal alternative to "began speaking".

struck up a conversation

Highlights the casual or impromptu nature of the start of a conversation.

opened up

Indicates a more personal or revealing start to a conversation.

broke the silence

Focuses on ending a period of quiet by beginning to speak.

exchanged greetings

Highlights the initial pleasantries at the start of a conversation.

got to talking

Suggests a more gradual or unplanned entry into a conversation.

entered into discussion

Implies a more structured or formal start to a conversation.

launched into speech

Highlights the sudden or forceful beginning of a monologue.

FAQs

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

You can use "started talking" to indicate the beginning of a conversation. For example, "They met at a conference and "started talking" about their research."

What's a more formal way to say "started talking"?

Alternatives like "began speaking" or "initiated a conversation" can provide a more formal tone than "started talking", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "started talking" and "began speaking"?

"Started talking" generally implies a conversation or exchange, while "began speaking" simply refers to the act of uttering words and doesn't necessarily imply a dialogue.

When is it appropriate to use "started talking" versus "struck up a conversation"?

"Started talking" is a general term, while "struck up a conversation" implies a more spontaneous or casual beginning to a discussion.