talk of

USAGE SUMMARY

"talk of" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It's commonly used to indicate that something is being discussed. For example: "The talk of the town is the newly opened restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They talk of social unrest.

The New York Times

"There wasn't talk of dreams.

The New Yorker

Analysts talk of "Germany's moment".

The Guardian

Much talk of "fascist food".

The New York Times

Activists talk of spreading opposition.

The Economist

(There is talk of installing a dryer).

The New York Times

Talk of a binational state increases.

The New Yorker

For all the talk of restraining C.E.O.

The New Yorker

Some arouse suspicious talk of "parallel societies".

The Economist

There is talk of a delay.

The Economist

Talk of Ukraine joining NATO stopped.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talk of" to introduce a topic that is currently being discussed or considered, especially when you want to convey a sense of ongoing conversation or speculation. For example: "There is talk of a new policy change in the company."

Common error

Avoid using "talk of" when you want to indicate a formal agreement or decision. "Talk of" suggests discussion and possibility, not necessarily a finalized outcome. If a decision has been made, use phrases like "agreement on" or "decision about" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talk of" functions as a prepositional phrase following a noun or verb, indicating the subject or topic being discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common English phrase. Examples include "There is talk of a delay" and "Analysts talk of Germany's moment".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talk of" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a topic under discussion or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to distinguish its use from phrases that imply a finalized decision or agreement. The guidance provided helps refine its application, ensuring clarity and precision in writing. This phrase presents an ongoing or speculative subject rather than a settled matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention of

Focuses on the act of briefly referring to something.

discussion about

Emphasizes a more detailed and involved conversation.

consideration of

Highlights the act of carefully thinking about something.

reports of

Indicates that information is being conveyed through reports.

speculation about

Suggests that the discussion is based on conjecture rather than facts.

buzz about

Implies widespread excitement or interest surrounding a topic.

rumors of

Suggests unverified information being spread informally.

whispers about

Implies secretive or hushed discussions.

debate over

Highlights conflicting opinions and arguments on a topic.

controversy surrounding

Indicates significant disagreement and public attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "talk of" to introduce a topic that is being discussed or considered. For example, "There is "talk of" a new economic policy." or "The "talk of" the town is the new art exhibit."

What are some alternatives to "talk of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "mention of", "discussion about", or "speculation about".

Is it appropriate to use "talk of" in formal writing?

Yes, "talk of" can be used in formal writing, especially when reporting on discussions or considerations. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "talk of" and "agreement on"?

"Talk of" indicates that something is being discussed or considered, whereas "agreement on" signifies that a decision has been reached and there is a consensus.