things talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things talk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that objects or situations can convey messages or meanings, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In this old house, the creaking floorboards and the peeling wallpaper tell stories of the past; truly, things talk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

He's very interested in letting the things talk themselves".

The Guardian

It's just that now the things talk back".

The New Yorker

"We've had a few days to look at some things, talk about some things, and think about some things.

The New York Times

I am enthusiastic about many things, so if you know about things talk to me and I will be excited.

University of California, Berkeley

"People have this desire to 'codify', professionalise, put frameworks around things, talk about process, to make themselves feel more secure.

The Guardian

If you're worried about joining them, consider these three things: Talk "Shame very often makes you concentrate on yourself as a failure, rather than the external circumstances.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Talking about other things, talking about Europe, political reform.

Independent

Seeing things, talking to people, communicating, helping.

Vice

"But talking about research is one thing; talking about the use of the drug is a bit premature".

Science Magazine

"If you are going to do two things -- talk to experts and look at the industry in general -- that is business as usual," Senator Wyden said.

The New York Times

"They have things they talk about".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things talk" to add a layer of metaphorical depth when describing how objects or situations convey information beyond their literal existence. This can be particularly effective in creative writing or when emphasizing the non-verbal communication aspects of a setting.

Common error

While "things talk" can be evocative, avoid overusing it in formal or technical writing where direct and literal language is preferred. Opt for more precise alternatives like "objects communicate" or "data indicates" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things talk" functions primarily as a metaphorical expression. Drawing from Ludwig AI's findings, it's used to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts as conveying messages or meaning, similar to how a person would communicate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things talk" is a grammatically sound, though somewhat uncommon, expression used to convey the idea that objects or situations can communicate messages. While grammatically correct according to Ludwig, it is often employed metaphorically, primarily in news and media or creative contexts. When writing, consider your audience and purpose before using it as alternative options are better suited for formal purposes. As Ludwig AI suggests, while evocative, overusing it could reduce clarity in formal or technical writing. The phrase is more about imbuing agency and meaning to non-living things and situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objects communicate

Replaces the figurative "talk" with a more direct verb, focusing on the action of conveying information.

items convey messages

Similar to "objects communicate" but uses "items" to broaden the scope beyond physical objects.

situations speak volumes

Shifts the focus to situations as the conveyors of meaning, emphasizing the depth of the message.

circumstances reveal truths

Highlights the revealing aspect of situations, implying that truths are uncovered through observation.

artifacts tell stories

Specifically refers to artifacts as narrators of the past or cultural narratives.

the environment whispers secrets

Employs a more poetic and subtle form of communication, suggesting hidden meanings within the environment.

data points indicate trends

Focuses on a data-driven approach, where data points communicate patterns and predictions.

evidence suggests conclusions

Highlights the role of evidence in leading to logical deductions or conclusions.

the world betrays signs

Emphasizes the idea that the world reveals underlying realities or future events through subtle indicators.

the past echoes meaning

Focuses on how historical events or actions continue to resonate and communicate important lessons.

FAQs

How can I use "things talk" in a sentence?

You can use "things talk" to suggest that objects or environments convey messages or meanings, often metaphorically. For example: "In this old house, the creaking floorboards and peeling wallpaper tell stories of the past; truly, "things talk"."

What are some alternatives to "things talk"?

Alternatives to "things talk" include "objects communicate", "items convey messages", or "situations speak volumes", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "things talk" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "things talk" might be too metaphorical for most academic writing. More direct phrases like "data suggests" or "evidence indicates" are generally preferred for clarity and precision.

What does it mean when someone says "things talk"?

When someone says ""things talk"", they usually mean that objects, places, or situations communicate unspoken messages or reveal hidden meanings through their characteristics or state.