talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or subject in conversation or writing. Example: "We were talking about the impact of climate change on wildlife during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's talking about hockey.

The New York Times

We're talking about this".

The New York Times - Arts

He's talking about iOS.

The New York Times

I'm talking about baseball.

The Economist

They're talking about me.

The New York Times

I'm talking about improvement.

The New York Times

"We're talking about competition".

The New Yorker

"We're talking about education".

The New York Times

She's talking about Jade.

The New York Times - Tech

I'm talking about pizza.

Independent

I'm talking about Steve Jobs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider using more precise alternatives like "discussing", "addressing", or "referring to" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "talking about" in formal reports or academic papers. Overuse can make the writing sound less sophisticated. Strive for a balance of precise vocabulary and clear expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talking about" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a prepositional complement. It introduces the topic or subject matter being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talking about" is a versatile and very common phrase used to introduce or reference a topic of discussion. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as a prepositional complement. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives like "discussing" or "addressing" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic papers, and everyday conversations, making it a valuable tool in any writer's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussing

This alternative provides a more direct and concise way to express the act of exchanging views or information about a topic.

mentioning

This emphasizes the act of briefly referring to something, rather than engaging in a full discussion.

referring to

This suggests pointing out or alluding to something specific within a broader context.

addressing

This indicates a more formal and direct engagement with a topic, often with the intent to resolve or clarify.

commenting on

This implies giving an opinion or reaction to a particular subject or event.

speaking of

This is a more conversational way to introduce a related topic or idea.

alluding to

This suggests indirectly referencing something, often without explicitly stating it.

going over

This suggests reviewing or examining a topic in detail.

touching on

This means briefly mentioning or dealing with a topic without going into depth.

examining

This suggests a close and careful investigation of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "talking about" in a sentence?

You can use "talking about" to introduce a topic of conversation or discussion. For example, "We were talking about the new project at work" or "She's talking about her vacation plans".

What are some alternatives to "talking about"?

Some alternatives to "talking about" include "discussing", "mentioning", "referring to", or "addressing", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "talking about"?

"Talking about" is appropriate in informal and conversational contexts. It's suitable for everyday discussions, casual writing, and when the tone is not overly formal. In academic or business contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred.

Is there a difference between "talking about" and "speaking about"?

While "talking about" and "speaking about" are often interchangeable, "talking about" implies a more casual conversation, while "speaking about" can suggest a more formal or deliberate discussion.