there was talk

USAGE SUMMARY

"there was talk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that conversation, discussion, or gossip about a particular topic had recently taken place. Example: "There was talk of disagreement among the members of the committee, but they ended up finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was talk of progress on trade.

The Economist

There was talk of knocking it down.

The Economist

There was talk of a fund-raiser.

The New York Times

There was talk of Donald Trump.

The New Yorker

There was talk of potentially criminal activities.

The New York Times - Tech

There was talk of him quitting Westminster.

The Economist

There was talk of extraditing him.

The Economist

"There was talk of them for years.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, there was talk of regional war.

The New Yorker

There was talk about reviving the t.v.v

The New Yorker

Then there was talk of Finland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was talk" to introduce a topic that was being discussed but may not have been confirmed or widely known. It's useful for setting a scene or providing context.

Common error

Avoid using "there was talk" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to create a more engaging and sophisticated tone. Consider alternatives such as "rumors circulated" or "discussions arose".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was talk" functions as an introductory phrase to indicate the existence of discussions, rumors, or speculation about a particular topic. It sets the stage for further elaboration, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was talk" is a versatile phrase used to introduce discussions, rumors, or speculation, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to set the stage for further elaboration on a given topic. While widely used, it's essential to vary language to avoid overuse. Related phrases like "rumors circulated" or "discussions arose" can offer alternative expressions. Overall, understanding the function and context of "there was talk" helps writers effectively convey hearsay or speculation while maintaining clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was rumored

Implies the existence of a widespread, unconfirmed report.

rumors circulated

Focuses on the spread of unverified information.

word went around

Indicates information spreading informally through a community.

discussions arose

Suggests a more formal or structured conversation took place.

conversations emerged

Emphasizes the beginning or surfacing of talks.

speculation arose

Focuses on conjecture and uncertain predictions.

the buzz was

Highlights informal, excited talk or gossip.

allegations surfaced

Emphasizes claims that are not yet proven.

it was mentioned

Suggests a brief or casual reference to something.

the subject was broached

Highlights the act of introducing a topic for discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "there was talk" in a sentence?

You can use "there was talk" to introduce rumors, discussions, or speculation about a topic. For example, "There was talk that the company was planning a merger".

What are some alternatives to "there was talk"?

Alternatives include "rumors circulated", "it was rumored", or "discussions arose", depending on the specific context.

Is "there was talk" formal or informal?

"There was talk" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news and general conversation.

What does "there was talk of" mean?

It means that there were discussions or rumors about a specific topic or event. For example, "There was talk of a possible strike" indicates that people were discussing the possibility of a strike.