talk over

USAGE SUMMARY

"talk over" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You would use it when you want to discuss something with someone else. For example: "Let's take some time to talk over our options for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't talk over your friend.

WikiHow

We talk over coffee.

The New York Times - Science

Don't talk over anyone.

The Guardian

You begin to talk over each other.

The New Yorker

I don't talk over the phone.

The New York Times

They talk over one another.

The Guardian

We should talk over Skype.

The Guardian

They often talk over their movie projects.

The New York Times

He let the auteur talk over him.

The Guardian - Film

"They can talk over the door".

The New York Times

Guests sit on wooden benches and talk over each other.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clear communication, be mindful not to "talk over" others. Ensure everyone has a chance to express their thoughts without interruption.

Common error

The phrase "talk over" can have multiple meanings (discuss, interrupt, persuade). Ensure the context makes your intended meaning clear to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talk over" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It can express the action of discussing something or the action of interrupting someone. Ludwig provides examples showcasing both usages, aligning with the multifaceted nature of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "talk over" is a common and versatile expression with two primary meanings: to discuss something and to interrupt someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using "talk over", it's essential to consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear. Be mindful of not interrupting while aiming for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss

A general term for exchanging information and opinions, focusing on the content of the conversation rather than the manner.

speak over

Similar to 'talk over' but may emphasize the act of overpowering another's voice.

hash out

Suggests a more intense and thorough discussion to resolve a complex issue.

debate

Implies a more formal discussion with opposing viewpoints and structured arguments.

reason with

Suggests using logic and arguments to reach an understanding or agreement.

interrupt

Focuses specifically on breaking into someone else's speech.

persuade

Highlights the intention to influence someone's opinion through conversation.

convince

Similar to persuade, focusing on changing someone's belief.

drown out

Suggests overpowering a sound or voice, often unintentionally.

override

Implies dismissing or negating someone's input or decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "talk over" in sentences like, "Let's "talk over" the details of the contract tomorrow," or "Please don't "talk over" me when I'm trying to explain something."

What does it mean to "talk over" someone?

To "talk over" someone can mean to discuss something with them, or it can mean to interrupt them while they are speaking. The meaning depends on the context.

Which is correct, "talk over" or "talking over"?

Both "talk over" and "talking over" are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Talk over" is often used as a verb, while "talking over" might be part of a continuous verb tense or used as a gerund.

What are some alternatives to "talk over" when you mean 'discuss'?

When "talk over" means discuss, you can use alternatives like "discuss", "go over", or "review".