to talk about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to talk about' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a topic of discussion or a subject that you plan to discuss in an essay, report, or other piece of writing. For example, "In this essay, I will discuss several important aspects of the American educational system and the challenges it faces today to talk about the need for reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is hard to talk about, too.

The New York Times

To talk about politics.

The New Yorker

Likes to talk about murders.

The New Yorker

"Not to talk about racism.

Independent

It's something to talk about".

The New York Times - Food

There's nothing to talk about.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to talk about.

The New Yorker

There's plenty to talk about.

The New Yorker

And to talk about him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have to talk about something".

The New Yorker

"And he likes to talk about sports.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to talk about" to introduce the main subject of a conversation, presentation, or written piece. It provides a clear and direct way to signal the topic.

Common error

While "to talk about" is versatile, it can sound too informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "to discuss" or "to address" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to talk about" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to introduce the subject or topic of conversation or discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound way to set the stage for what will be discussed, exemplified by the numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to talk about" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a topic of discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "to discuss". Predominantly found in news and media, its frequency and clear purpose make it a staple in English communication. Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone when choosing between this and more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to discuss

A more formal and direct alternative, often used in professional or academic settings.

to speak about

Similar in meaning, but can sometimes imply a more formal or public address.

to address

Suggests a more formal and focused approach to a topic, often implying problem-solving.

to mention

Implies a brief or passing reference to a topic.

to chat about

A more informal and casual alternative, suitable for friendly conversations.

to touch on

Suggests a brief or superficial exploration of a topic.

to delve into

Implies a more in-depth and thorough examination of a subject.

to go over

Indicates a review or repetition of information.

to consider

Implies a thoughtful and deliberate examination of a topic.

to comment on

Suggests offering an opinion or observation on a particular topic.

FAQs

How can I use "to talk about" in a sentence?

You can use "to talk about" to introduce a subject. For example, "We need "to talk about" the budget for next year" or "The presentation is "to talk about" the latest research findings".

What are some alternatives to "to talk about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to discuss", "to address", or "to mention". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "to talk about" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to talk about" may be perceived as informal in some formal writing situations. Consider using more formal alternatives like "to discuss" or "to analyze" in those cases.

What's the difference between "to talk about" and "to speak about"?

"To speak about" is generally considered more formal than "to talk about". While both refer to discussing a topic, "to speak about" is often used in more formal settings, such as presentations or lectures, compared to more casual conversations represented by "to talk about".