talked to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talked to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a conversation or communication with someone. Example: "I talked to my friend about our plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I talked to them.

The New York Times

Writer talked to Capt.

The New Yorker

"You talked to him".

The New Yorker

He talked to himself.

The New Yorker

"I talked to God".

The New York Times

I talked to farmers.

The New Yorker

I talked to Raymond.

The New York Times

Everybody talked to Cornell".

The New York Times

I talked to friends.

The New York Times

Fognini talked to himself.

The New York Times - Sports

She talked to me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talked to" when you want to convey a direct, person-to-person interaction, emphasizing the exchange of information or ideas. It is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "talked to" is generally acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "spoke with" or "communicated with" to maintain a more professional tone, particularly in reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talked to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of speaking with someone. It specifies that a conversation or communication occurred between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is very common and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talked to" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a completed conversation or communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While it is generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "spoke with" may be preferred in certain contexts. It frequently appears in news and media, and scientific sources, making it a reliable and versatile choice for expressing past interactions. Remember to avoid overusing it in extremely formal writing and consider alternative phrases to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoke with

Replaces "talked" with "spoke", offering a slightly more formal tone.

had a conversation with

Expands the phrase to emphasize the exchange of dialogue.

communicated with

Indicates a broader range of interaction methods, not strictly verbal.

conversed with

Implies a more formal or intellectual discussion.

held discussions with

Emphasizes a formal setting or structured exchange of information.

chatted with

Suggests a more informal and casual conversation.

discussed with

Highlights the act of exchanging viewpoints and analyzing a subject.

consulted with

Indicates seeking advice or information from someone.

addressed

Focuses on directing speech or remarks toward someone.

made contact with

Implies establishing communication without specifying the nature of the conversation.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "spoke with", "conversed with", or "communicated with" to maintain a professional tone.

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

"Talked to" is used to describe a conversation or communication between two or more people. For example, "I "talked to" my manager about the project deadline" or "She "talked to" her friend for hours".

Is "talked to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "talked to" is grammatically correct. "Talked" is the past tense of the verb "talk", and "to" is a preposition indicating direction or relationship. Together, they form a common and accepted phrase.

What's the difference between "talked to" and "spoke to"?

While both phrases are similar, "spoke to" is generally considered more formal than "talked to". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. In most casual settings, ""talked to"" is perfectly acceptable.