talked at length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talked at length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a conversation or discussion that was extensive or detailed. Example: "During the meeting, we talked at length about the new project and its potential challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had talked at length to Glenville.

The New Yorker

Pat and I talked at length".

The New York Times

He talked at length about everything.

The New Yorker

"Dylan and I talked at length.

The Guardian - Sport

You talked at length about the institutional problems.

The New York Times

But Steele talked at length with Mueller's investigators in September.

The New Yorker

"We talked at length before the tournament about teamship.

Independent

I talked (at length, probably too long) about my trip to Washington, D.C.

Harvard University

Our respondents talked at length about how their competence was obscured by their gender.

Harvard Business Review

He said that what had happened was outrageous and we talked at length.

The Guardian

All five subcommittees talked at length with people in our newsroom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talked at length", consider adding specific details about the topic of conversation to give the reader more context and make the statement more impactful.

Common error

Don't use "talked at length" without providing some context or indication of what was discussed. Saying "they talked at length" without any further information can leave the reader wondering what the point of the conversation was. Clarify what the discussion revolved around.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talked at length" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb to indicate the manner in which the action (talking) was performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase describes the extent and thoroughness of conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talked at length" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase that indicates a detailed and prolonged conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure to provide context about the conversation's topic to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "discussed extensively" or "chatted for a long time" to add nuance, as needed. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a range of settings, from formal discussions to informal chats. This phrase is a solid choice when you need to convey the depth and duration of a conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussed extensively

Focuses on the discussion aspect, emphasizing the thoroughness and breadth of the conversation.

had a lengthy discussion

Rephrases the verb into a noun phrase, emphasizing the duration and nature of the conversation.

conversed at length

Uses a more formal verb, "conversed", maintaining the sense of a prolonged discussion.

spoke in detail

Highlights the level of detail covered during the conversation.

chatted for a long time

Emphasizes the duration and informality of the conversation.

elaborated extensively

Focuses on the act of providing more details and expanding on a topic during the conversation.

went into great detail

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the explanation or discussion.

deliberated at length

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful consideration during the conversation.

expounded at length

Emphasizes a formal and detailed explanation of a subject.

dwelt on the subject

Focuses on continuous and perhaps repetitive discussion on a particular topic.

FAQs

What does "talked at length" mean?

The phrase "talked at length" means to discuss something in detail and for an extended period. It indicates a thorough conversation that covers various aspects of a topic.

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

You can use "talked at length" to describe a conversation that was detailed and prolonged. For example, "The committee "discussed extensively" the proposed changes to the policy."

What are some alternatives to "talked at length"?

Some alternatives to "talked at length" include "discussed in detail", "chatted for a long time", or "conversed at length", depending on the context and formality of the situation.

Is "talked at length" formal or informal?

"Talked at length" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "conversed at length" might be more appropriate for certain professional settings.