talk generally about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talk generally about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss a topic in a broad or non-specific manner without going into detailed specifics. Example: "In this meeting, we will talk generally about the upcoming project and its potential impact on our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Painful Memories When he was little, Kiwanuka's parents would talk generally about Benedicto.

The New York Times - Sports

Can you talk generally about what that research is like?

The New Yorker

So instead, we talk generally about the role of mentors in Thug's career.

The Guardian - Music

It's easier to talk generally about what to do when the bottle is actually presented.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we'd also like to talk generally about your work, and particularly about the ways in which you've worked together.

The Guardian - Film

Can you talk generally about what the recourse is if somebody — if there is a mistake that's made — if the wrong person kidnapped or rendered?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Judge Silbermann could not comment on this case, but talked generally about the complexity of matrimonial law.

The New York Times

They talked generally about exciting developments in their field, human-computer interaction (HCI), as well as specifically about the relationship of HCI to media and journalism.

The New York Times

Patel talked generally about security, but we can infer she didn't mean security for Palestinians.

Vice

"They talked generally about the shape of the world," Mr. Fleischer said.

The New York Times

He was talking, generally, about disarmament pacts from the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties, and most specifically about the 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talk generally about", be mindful of your audience. Ensure they have enough context to understand the broad strokes you're presenting, even without detailed information.

Common error

Avoid constantly using "talk generally about" as a substitute for doing thorough research or providing concrete examples. While it's useful for introductions, always aim to offer specifics when possible to enhance credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talk generally about" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a discussion or conversation that avoids specific details. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts, such as news reports and personal anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talk generally about" is a common phrase used to describe a discussion that avoids specifics, providing an overview or broad understanding of a topic. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to balance general discussions with specific details when possible to enhance clarity and credibility. Alternatives such as "discuss in broad terms", "speak in generalities", and "give a general overview" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss in broad terms

Replaces "talk" with "discuss" and rephrases "generally about" to "in broad terms", emphasizing the lack of specificity.

speak in generalities

Uses a noun form, "generalities", to convey the idea of speaking without specific details, slightly more formal.

give a general overview

Emphasizes providing a summary or high-level perspective on a subject.

delve into without specifics

Implies exploring a subject area, not necessarily discussing its details, and could be used in contexts when someone is not ready to discuss the details of something.

touch on lightly

Implies a brief and non-detailed discussion, suitable when the topic is mentioned but not explored deeply.

outline the main points

Highlights the key elements without delving into specifics, suitable for presentations or briefings.

mention in passing

Suggests an even briefer reference than "touch on lightly", almost an incidental mention.

address superficially

Indicates dealing with a topic without going into depth, potentially implying a lack of thoroughness.

cover the basics of

Focuses on the fundamental aspects of a topic, avoiding advanced or intricate details.

thematize abstractly

Suggests a less tangible discussion of a topic, using more vague, thematic concepts rather than direct details.

FAQs

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

You can use "talk generally about" to introduce a topic without providing specific details, such as, "During the meeting, we will talk generally about the project's goals".

What are some alternatives to "talk generally about"?

Alternatives include "discuss in broad terms", "speak in generalities", or "give a general overview", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "talk generally about" something instead of providing specifics?

It's appropriate to "talk generally about" something when introducing a topic, providing a summary, or when specific details are not yet available or necessary for the current discussion.

Is "talk generally about" formal or informal?

"Talk generally about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "address superficially" or "outline the main points" may be more suitable in certain professional settings.