talk about

USAGE SUMMARY

"talk about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in questions or as part of an exclamation. For example: "What shall we talk about today?" or "Let's talk about our plans for the weekend!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We talk about family.

The New York Times

Talk about insufferable arrogance!

Independent

Talk about gross.

The New Yorker

Talk about omens.

The New Yorker

Wow, talk about scope!

The New York Times

Talk about irony.

The New York Times

(Talk about two brains).

The New Yorker

And talk about credibility.

The New York Times

Talk about range.

The New York Times

Talk about diversity!

The New Yorker

Talk about your new!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talk about" to introduce a surprising or noteworthy fact, often with an implied emotional reaction like amusement or disbelief. It's a great way to add a touch of personality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "talk about" excessively in formal writing. While effective for emphasis, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. Consider using more varied transitional phrases for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talk about" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a statement, often with emphasis or surprise. Ludwig's examples show it is used to express irony, admiration, or commentary on a situation. It serves as a conversational opener.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talk about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a comment, often expressing surprise or emphasis. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely used. While common, especially in news and media, it tends to be informal. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "regarding" or "concerning". Remember to use "talk about" strategically to add personality without sounding repetitive. Common mistakes involve overuse in formal writing. Overall, it’s a reliable expression for adding flavor to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speaking of

This alternative is a common way to transition to a related topic, implying a connection between the current and upcoming subject.

regarding

Regarding is used to indicate the subject that is being discussed, often in a more formal setting.

concerning

Concerning is similar to 'regarding', used to introduce a topic of discussion or issue.

in reference to

This phrase is a more formal way to indicate what is being discussed, often used in written communication.

with regard to

This is a formal way to introduce a topic, often used in academic or professional contexts.

on the subject of

This phrase introduces a topic or issue that is being discussed.

when it comes to

This phrase is used to specify the area or topic under consideration.

in terms of

This phrase is used to specify the aspect or viewpoint from which something is being considered.

let's discuss

This phrase directly suggests initiating a conversation about a specific topic.

to address the matter of

This is a formal way to introduce a topic that needs to be addressed or discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "talk about" in a sentence?

You can use "talk about" to introduce a surprising or remarkable statement, often implying a sense of irony or emphasis. For example, "Talk about bad luck!" or "Talk about a missed opportunity!"

What are some alternatives to "talk about"?

Alternatives include "speaking of", "regarding", or "concerning", depending on the context. These alternatives may offer a more formal tone.

Is "talk about" suitable for formal writing?

"Talk about" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. For professional or academic contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "with regard to" or "in reference to".

How does the meaning change if I replace "talk about" with "discuss"?

Replacing "talk about" with "discuss" changes the tone and intent. "Talk about" is often used to highlight or emphasize something, while "discuss" implies a more neutral and analytical conversation or consideration of a topic.