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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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to be talked

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be talked" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of being discussed or mentioned, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "I don't want to be talked about behind my back."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These things have to be talked about.

News & Media

The New Yorker

They want to be talked to".

News & Media

The New York Times

It has to be talked about".

News & Media

Independent

"People don't want to be talked to.

News & Media

The New York Times

This seems to be talked to death.

Well, it needs to be talked about.

They don't want to be talked about.

News & Media

The New York Times

The procedures had to be talked through once more.

Nobody wants to be talked to like they're a jerk".

News & Media

Independent

Bush resisted, and had to be talked into it.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They want to be talked with," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "to be discussed", "to be mentioned", or "to be addressed" instead of the ambiguous phrase "to be talked".

Common error

Don't use "to be talked" when you mean something more specific. For example, instead of saying "the problem needs to be talked", specify "the problem needs "to be discussed"" or "the problem needs "to be addressed"".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be talked" functions as a passive infinitive, often indicating something that requires discussion or attention. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not always grammatically correct and should be replaced with more precise alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "to be talked" appears frequently, it's important to recognize that it's not always the most grammatically sound choice. As Ludwig AI has identified, it is often more appropriate to use alternatives like ""to be discussed"", "to be mentioned", or ""to be addressed"" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. These alternatives convey similar meanings but with greater precision. Although widely used, especially in news and media, opting for a more specific phrase can significantly enhance the quality and professionalism of your writing.

FAQs

What does "to be talked about" mean?

The phrase "to be talked about" generally means to be the subject of conversation or discussion. It implies that something or someone is being discussed by others.

What can I say instead of "to be talked about"?

You can use alternatives like ""to be discussed"", "to be mentioned", or ""to be addressed"" depending on the context.

How can I use "to be discussed" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The new policy needs "to be discussed" at the next meeting to ensure everyone understands the changes".

Is "to be talked" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "to be talked" is not always correct in standard written English. It's often better to use more precise alternatives like ""to be discussed"" or "to be mentioned".

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: