talk at length

USAGE SUMMARY

"talk at length" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to talk for a long time or in great detail about a specific topic. Example: During the meeting, the CEO talked at length about the company's financial goals for the upcoming year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He likes to talk at length".

The New York Times

Perhaps someone who might talk at length about class?

The Guardian - Books

"I didn't expect him to talk at length about it.

The New Yorker

I can talk at length about disciplinary formations, however.

University of California, Berkeley

So he can't talk at length, you understand.

Independent

It's a well-documented fact that Alex Trebek can talk at length about almost anything.

The Washington Post

Take the verb explaterate, "to talk at length," which originated in Boston in 1831.

The New York Times - Magazine

It enabled Wright to talk at length to the depot manager who was sympathetic.

The Guardian

He is happy, however, to talk at length about the show's wider concepts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They said they did not want to talk at length until the hostages are released.

The New York Times

The fact that we did not talk at length about money.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talk at length" when you want to emphasize that someone discussed a topic thoroughly and for an extended period. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "talk at length" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing verbose. In situations where brevity is key, consider using more concise alternatives like "discuss in detail" or "elaborate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "talk at length" is as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of speaking extensively about a particular subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talk at length" is a versatile verb phrase that indicates a thorough and prolonged discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, writers should be mindful of potential wordiness. Consider alternatives like "discuss in detail" or "elaborate" for more concise writing. Remember to use "talk at length" when emphasizing the depth and duration of a conversation or presentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Speak at length

A very similar phrase, almost interchangeable.

Talk in depth

Focuses on the depth of the discussion.

Speak extensively about

Emphasizes the duration and scope of the speech.

Discuss in detail

Focuses on the level of detail in a discussion.

Go into detail about

Highlights the depth of information shared.

Elaborate on

Implies expanding on a topic with more information.

Expound upon

Suggests a more formal and thorough explanation.

Dwelling on

Implies spending considerable time on a particular point, sometimes excessively.

Hold forth on

Suggests speaking at length, often in a lecturing or authoritative manner.

Prolong the discussion

Highlights the act of making the discussion longer.

FAQs

How can I use "talk at length" in a sentence?

You can use "talk at length" to describe someone discussing a topic thoroughly and for a significant duration. For example, "The professor talked at length about the history of quantum physics".

What's a good alternative to "talk at length"?

Alternatives include "discuss in detail", "elaborate on", or "speak extensively about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "talk at length" formal or informal?

"Talk at length" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using alternatives like "expound upon".

What's the difference between "talk at length" and "speak at length"?

"Talk at length" and "speak at length" are very similar and often interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.