talk around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talk around" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to discussing a topic broadly without getting into the details. For example, "We talked around the issue but never got to its root cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talk around endangered species is a classic example.

HuffPost

Talk around, stay a while after church to chat with others.

WikiHow

We talk around the bowl".

The New York Times

They talk around it.

The New Yorker

"We talk around it," Berg said.

The New York Times

"We still talk around the issue".

The New York Times

Still, he appreciates that nonveterans "moderate their talk" around veterans.

The New York Times

So he took to Twitter to turn the talk around.

The New York Times

Talk around the candidate suggests that he might.

The New Yorker

Now how do you talk around that at contract time?

The New York Times

Jones brought his talk around to the subject of energy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talk around" when you want to describe a discussion that avoids the core subject, often due to sensitivity or strategic reasons. This emphasizes the indirect approach to the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "talk around" when you actually mean to describe a direct and thorough discussion. "Talk around" implies avoidance or indirectness, not comprehensive coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "talk around" functions to describe a manner of communication where the central topic is not directly addressed. This often serves as a way to avoid confrontation or sensitive details. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "talk around" signifies a way of discussing a subject without directly confronting its core issues, often due to sensitivity or strategic reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase implies avoidance or indirectness, distinguishing it from simple discussion. When writing, use it to accurately portray a deliberate evasion of a topic, but be careful not to substitute it for direct discussion. Alternatives include "beat around the bush" or "skirt the issue", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beat around the bush

A common idiom for avoiding direct discussion of a topic.

skirt the issue

Suggests avoiding direct engagement with a problematic issue.

dance around the subject

Implies graceful but indirect handling of a topic.

circumlocute

Uses a single, more formal word to convey indirectness in speech.

sidestep

To avoid a direct confrontation or answer.

evade the question

Focuses on avoiding a direct response to a question.

hedge

Uses vague or noncommittal language to avoid a direct statement.

equivocate

To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing to a position.

mince words

To avoid being direct or blunt in one's speech.

pussyfoot around

To act cautiously or indirectly, often to avoid causing offense.

FAQs

What does "talk around" mean?

The phrase "talk around" means to discuss a topic without directly addressing its central points, often due to sensitivity, strategy, or lack of knowledge. It implies an indirect approach to the subject.

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

You can use "talk around" in a sentence like this: "The committee members "talked around the issue" without proposing any concrete solutions."

Which is correct, "talk around" or "talk about"?

Both "talk around" and "talk about" are correct, but they have different meanings. "Talk about" implies a general discussion, while "talk around" suggests an indirect or evasive approach to the subject.

What are some alternatives to "talk around"?

Alternatives to "talk around" include phrases like "beat around the bush", "skirt the issue", or "evade the question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.