talking with someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talking with someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a conversation or interaction with another person, typically in a casual or informal context. Example: "I spent the afternoon talking with someone who shares my interests in photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Start by talking with someone his friends know he trusts.

The New York Times

Jackson was outside talking with someone he referenced as his 'cousin' when gunshots rang out.

The New York Times

We were down the street talking with someone else, and they came out with guns drawn.

The New York Times - Arts

They saw the door open; they saw the police officers talking with someone inside.

The Guardian

Bellow said he'd been talking with someone when Plimpton "just burst in, so I turned away from him".

The New York Times

This doesn't mean romance – it could be talking with someone you are intimate with or shopping with a parent.

The Guardian - Books

"You can change your angle when you're talking with someone," said Hubert Pelletier, an architect who runs St Ely with the industrial designer Eugénie Manseau.

The New York Times

"What you've done tonight is to help each of these people begin talking with someone who has been through the exact same experience," she said.

The New York Times

"All that we were interested in was talking with someone at H.H.S. who had the authority to settle the matter," Mr. Buchanan told The Associated Press.

The New York Times

"You will be walking and talking with someone and then you might cross a small river and suddenly your companion will switch to another language.

The Guardian

Having lost his wife and child, he struggles to find the motivation to do much and can't imagine how talking with someone could help him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talking with someone", consider the context and choose a more specific verb like "discussing", "chatting", or "consulting" if the nature of the conversation is clear.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of "talking with someone". Opt for more precise verbs like "confer", "discuss", or "negotiate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talking with someone" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier within a sentence. It describes the action of communicating with another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talking with someone" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe communication or conversation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. While generally neutral, more formal situations might benefit from using alternatives like "speaking to someone" or "conferring with someone". Remember to consider the specific context and choose words that accurately reflect the nature of the interaction. Be aware that although the phrase is proper, the excessive use may make your content repetitive or less formal than required. Pay attention to source authority when analyzing the multiple definitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speaking to someone

Replaces "talking" with "speaking", implying a potentially more formal interaction.

having a conversation with someone

Adds emphasis on the reciprocal nature of the interaction.

in conversation with someone

Emphasizes the state of being engaged in a dialogue.

chatting with someone

Suggests a more casual and informal exchange.

discussing something with someone

Highlights the topic of the conversation.

consulting with someone

Implies seeking advice or guidance from the other person.

conferring with someone

Suggests a formal discussion or meeting.

communicating with someone

A broader term that encompasses various forms of interaction beyond verbal exchange.

liaising with someone

Implies establishing a working relationship for communication.

exchanging words with someone

Focuses on the act of sharing dialogue.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "talking with someone"?

You can use alternatives like "speaking to someone", "chatting with someone", or "having a conversation with someone" depending on the context.

Is "talking with someone" formal or informal?

"Talking with someone" is generally considered neutral to informal. For more formal contexts, consider using "speaking to someone" or "conferring with someone".

How to use "talking with someone" in a sentence?

"Talking with someone" is typically used to describe an act of communication. For example: "I was talking with someone about the new project" or "Talking with someone who understands can be very helpful".

What is the difference between "talking with someone" and "talking to someone"?

While often interchangeable, "talking with someone" suggests a more reciprocal conversation, while "talking to someone" can imply a one-way communication. However, in most contexts, the difference is negligible.