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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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talked of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"talked of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone has been discussing or mentioning something. Example: The news of the company's financial troubles was continually talked of at the board meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They talked of testicles.

They talked of scungilli.

Instead, we talked of dogs.

News & Media

The New Yorker

A third talked of outwitting Facebook.

They talked of fun, extracurriculars and sisterhood.

Diplomats talked of a power-sharing constitution.

News & Media

The Economist

They talked of running a newspaper together.

News & Media

The New York Times

Yet Mr Berisha also talked of change.

News & Media

The Economist

Mr Gallois talked of an "emergency situation".

News & Media

The Economist

Wollaston talked of "uncomfortable information being withheld".

News & Media

The Guardian

They talked of his pending divorce.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose a more specific verb if the nuance of the conversation is important, such as "discussed" for formal settings or "chatted about" for informal settings.

Common error

While acceptable, "talked of" can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "discussed" or "mentioned" in academic or professional contexts. Opt for the more specific verb to enhance clarity and formality.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talked of" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of discussing or mentioning something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples show it used to introduce topics of conversation, ranging from serious matters to casual subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "talked of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes the act of discussing or mentioning something, as validated by Ludwig. It finds common application in news and media contexts, though it can also be found in scientific and formal business settings. While its usage is generally acceptable, more precise alternatives like "discussed" or "mentioned" may be preferable in formal writing. The abundance of examples provided by Ludwig illustrates its versatility and broad applicability in various conversational scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

FAQs

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

You can use "talked of" to indicate that something was a topic of conversation. For example, "They "talked of" the upcoming elections during the meeting."

What's a more formal alternative to "talked of"?

In formal contexts, consider using "discussed", "mentioned", or "addressed" as more precise and professional alternatives.

Is "talked of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "talked of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, its suitability depends on the context and desired level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "talked of" and "spoke about"?

"Talked of" and "spoke about" are quite similar. "Spoke about" is slightly more direct, while "talked of" can imply a less focused or more general conversation. Both can often be used interchangeably.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: