talk it over

USAGE SUMMARY

"talk it over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to discuss something with someone else in order to reach a resolution or make a decision. Example sentence: Let's talk it over and decide on a course of action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later the board members meet, talk it over and settle on a preferred candidate.

The New York Times

Then it placed a second call to summon him to talk it over further.

Forbes

Talk it over with someone else (friend or family) who you can bounce ideas off of.

WikiHow

Talk it over with someone in your family who has the same religion as you.

WikiHow

If you have any doubts about your decision, talk it over with someone you trust.

WikiHow

"We'll talk it over".

The New York Times - Sports

Get together and talk it over.

The New Yorker

The officials talk it over.

The Guardian - Sport

Time out USA to talk it over.

The Guardian - Sport

Hawks call time to talk it over.

The Guardian - Sport

Just come and talk it over with me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talk it over", ensure the context clarifies who you are discussing the matter with. For example, "I need to talk it over with my team" provides more clarity than simply "I need to talk it over."

Common error

While "talk it over" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "discuss" or "deliberate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "talk it over" functions primarily as a communication verb, indicating a discussion intended to reach a decision or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the act of discussing something with someone else, aiming for a resolution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "talk it over" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a discussion aimed at reaching a decision or understanding. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable for general communication, including news and media, it might be too informal for academic or highly professional contexts, where alternatives like "discuss" or "deliberate" are more appropriate. Its communicative purpose is to facilitate collaborative decision-making through dialogue, with its frequency marked as common in everyday language. When using "talk it over", clarity about the discussion's participants enhances the message's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss it

This is a shorter, more direct synonym focusing on the act of discussion itself.

consult with someone

This suggests seeking advice or opinions from another person.

hash out

This implies a more intense discussion aimed at resolving differences.

thrash out

A British English alternative to "hash out", implying a vigorous debate.

confer about it

A more formal way of saying discuss, often used in professional settings.

deliberate on it

Suggests a careful and thorough discussion.

chew over

Informal, suggests thinking and talking about something at length.

brainstorm ideas

Implies a creative discussion to generate new solutions or approaches.

reason together

Emphasizes a collaborative and logical approach to the discussion.

exchange views

Focuses on the sharing of different perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "talk it over" in a sentence?

You can use "talk it over" to describe discussing a matter with someone, as in, "Let's "talk it over" and come to a decision" or "I need to "talk it over with my manager" before I can agree to anything".

What's a more formal way to say "talk it over"?

In more formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "discuss", "deliberate", or "confer". For example, instead of saying "We need to "talk it over"," you could say "We need to discuss the matter further".

Is "talk it over" appropriate for business communication?

While "talk it over" is understandable, it might be too informal for some business settings. Consider using phrases like "discuss it further" or "consult with colleagues" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "talk it over" and "think it over"?

"Talk it over" implies a discussion with someone else, while "think it over" means considering something privately. For example, "Let's "talk it over"" suggests a conversation, while "I need to "think it over"" implies individual reflection.