talking about that

USAGE SUMMARY

"talking about that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a topic or idea that has been discussed previously or is related to something that has been mentioned. For example: "We've been talking about that project for weeks. Have you finished it yet?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everybody is talking about that," he said.

The New York Times

"Why are we even talking about that?

The New York Times

We're talking about that as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Why is no one talking about that?

Independent

Who is talking about that?

The Guardian

Everybody's talking about that show".

The New York Times

I'm done talking about that".

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't talking about that".

The Guardian

I'm not talking about that".

The New York Times - Sports

"You need to be talking about that".

The Guardian

"We should be talking about that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "talking about that"; it's best suited when the 'that' is already clearly defined for your audience to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "talking about that" when the 'that' is unclear or hasn't been explicitly mentioned, as it can confuse readers or listeners. Always ensure the reference is obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talking about that" functions primarily as a transitional phrase. It is used to reference a previously mentioned topic or subject, often to continue the discussion or shift focus slightly. Ludwig confirms this is a common and acceptable usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic & Scientific

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "talking about that" is a common and acceptable way to refer back to a previously mentioned topic. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it is best used when the 'that' is clear to the audience. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "addressing that issue" or "regarding that aspect" to maintain a professional tone. Remember to avoid vagueness to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussing that subject

Focuses on the act of formal discussion of a particular subject.

addressing that issue

Implies a focus on dealing with or resolving a specific problem or concern.

referring to that matter

Highlights the act of making a direct reference to a specific topic or item.

mentioning that point

Emphasizes the act of briefly bringing up a particular point or detail.

speaking of that thing

A more casual way to introduce a related topic or item.

on the subject of that

Introduces a topic that's about to be discussed, indicating a shift in conversation.

with regard to that

A more formal way of introducing a topic, often used in professional contexts.

concerning that topic

Indicates that the discussion will be about or related to a certain topic.

in relation to that

Suggests a connection or comparison to a previously mentioned topic.

regarding that aspect

Narrows the focus to a specific part or facet of a larger issue.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "talking about that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "addressing that issue", "referring to that matter", or "with regard to that", which provide a more professional feel.

Is "talking about that" appropriate for academic writing?

While "talking about that" is grammatically correct, it's generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and academic alternatives like "discussing that subject" or "concerning that topic".

What's the difference between "talking about that" and "speaking of that thing"?

"Talking about that" is a general way to refer back to a previous topic. "Speaking of that thing" is more often used as a transition to a related but slightly different topic, often in a more casual setting.

When is it best to avoid using "talking about that"?

Avoid using "talking about that" when the context is unclear or when the 'that' is not explicitly defined, as it can lead to confusion. Instead, rephrase to specify what you are referring to or use a more formal alternative if the setting requires it.