talk about something else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'talk about something else' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when the conversation has gone off topic and you want to redirect the focus of the conversation. For example, if someone is discussing a football match and you want to talk about something else, you can say, "Let's talk about something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He would just talk about something else".

The New York Times - Sports

Let's talk about something else.

The New Yorker

Let's talk about something else.' 'All right.

The Guardian - Books

"Hey, can we talk about something else?

The New York Times

So they welcome a chance to talk about something else.

The New York Times

Would she rather talk about something else, I ask.

Independent

It's just — " "Can we talk about something else, Dad?

The New Yorker

"Let's talk about something else," Pujols said Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

And I wanted to talk about something else besides food.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Can we talk about something else now?" She laughs, desperately.

The Guardian - Film

But I'd like to talk about something else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talk about something else" to smoothly transition away from uncomfortable or unproductive discussions. It helps maintain a positive conversational flow and prevents unnecessary conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "talk about something else" too frequently in a single conversation. Overuse can make you appear dismissive or uninterested in others' perspectives. Instead, try rephrasing or finding common ground before suggesting a complete change of topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talk about something else" functions as an imperative or request, used to redirect a conversation away from a current topic. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, with examples showing its role in shifting focus from uncomfortable or repetitive subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "talk about something else" is a common and grammatically correct way to suggest a change of topic in a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media and functions as an imperative or request. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to informal settings to avoid appearing dismissive. For formal situations, it’s advisable to use more polite alternatives. Remember to wield this phrase judiciously to maintain positive conversational flow and avoid overuse, which might signal disinterest. By considering these nuances, you can effectively steer conversations while respecting the contributions of all involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's change the topic

Directly suggests that it's time to move onto a new subject.

change the subject

Focuses on the act of switching to a new topic.

let's move on

Suggests transitioning away from the current topic.

can we discuss something different

Asks to shift the conversation to a new subject.

how about another topic

Proposes exploring a new subject for discussion.

a different subject would be nice

Politely expresses a desire to switch to a new topic.

shift the focus

Highlights moving the attention to a new area of discussion.

another matter to discuss

Introduces the possibility of discussing a different subject.

steer the conversation elsewhere

Focuses on redirecting the topic to another area.

how about we talk about

Suggests a specific alternative topic for discussion

FAQs

How can I politely suggest we "talk about something else"?

You can use phrases like "Perhaps we could "discuss something different"" or "Could we "move on to another topic"?" to gently change the subject.

When is it appropriate to say "talk about something else"?

It's appropriate when a conversation becomes too heated, uncomfortable, or repetitive, and you want to steer it in a more positive or productive direction.

What are some alternative phrases to "talk about something else" that still convey the same meaning?

Alternatives include "Let's "change the subject"", "How about we "discuss something different"?", or simply, "Let's move on".

Is "talk about something else" appropriate in formal settings?

In formal settings, it's best to use more polite and indirect phrases. Instead of directly saying "talk about something else", try saying "Perhaps we could "address another matter"" or "That's an interesting point; now, turning to…".