talks up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talks up" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to praise or promote something. For example, "The company's CEO talks up the new product line in every press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Weirdly, he never talks up libraries).

The New York Times - Books

He talks up a storm.

The New York Times

He talks up the charity work, but it's mostly corporate".

The New Yorker

It often talks up its Willkommenskultur, its welcoming culture.

The Economist

She talks up her book with the same cheery brass.

The New York Times - Style

He talks up moisture retention, and how pork loins emerge from his cookers bursting with juice.

The New York Times - Food

When he speaks, he talks up in the room, and people listen".

The New York Times - Sports

To that end Theresa May eagerly talks up the idea of a "truly global Britain".

The Guardian - Opinion

And he talks up his running mate every chance he gets.

The New York Times

And she talks up mixed martial arts with a confident humility.

The New York Times - Sports

For a manager who talks up his team's abilities and strengths, the statistics make grim reading.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talks up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being praised or promoted to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The CEO constantly talks up the company's innovative culture" is more effective than simply saying "The CEO talks up the company."

Common error

While "talks up" is generally acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "promotes", "advocates", or "champions" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "talks up" is a phrasal verb, acting as a verb construction that expresses an action of praising or promoting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's role in describing active endorsement or positive representation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "talks up" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of praising or promoting something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal synonyms like "promotes" or "endorses" in academic or highly formal writing. Remember to clearly specify what is being praised to avoid ambiguity. This analysis offers guidance for effectively incorporating "talks up" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promotes

Focuses on active advocacy and endorsement.

praises

Emphasizes positive aspects and qualities.

advocates for

Highlights active support and championing.

champions

Indicates enthusiastic support and defense.

endorses

Suggests formal approval and support.

hypes

Implies exaggerated promotion and excitement.

extols

Signifies high praise and admiration.

lauds

Denotes formal praise and recognition.

boosts

Suggests active efforts to improve or enhance.

pushes

Focuses on assertive promotion and marketing.

FAQs

What does "talks up" mean?

The phrase "talks up" means to speak positively about someone or something, often with the intention of promoting or praising them.

How can I use "talks up" in a sentence?

You can use "talks up" in sentences like, "The manager always "talks up" the team's achievements" or "The advertisement "talks up" the new features of the product".

What are some alternatives to "talks up"?

Some alternatives to "talks up" include "promotes", "praises", or "advocates for", depending on the specific context.

Is "talks up" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "talks up" might be less suitable for highly formal writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "endorses" or "lauds".