to talk about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to talk about something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss a specific topic or subject in conversation or writing. Example: "In this meeting, we need to talk about the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have to talk about something".

The New Yorker

We had to talk about something.

The New York Times - Food

So they welcome a chance to talk about something else.

The New York Times

"And we have to talk about something very difficult".

The New York Times

A conventional way of starting to talk about something.

Columbia University

But now he wanted to talk about something else.

The Guardian

And I wanted to talk about something else besides food.

The New York Times - Magazine

He clearly wanted to talk about something -- anything -- else.

The New York Times

But I'd like to talk about something else.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Endel Siff, a local businessman, is eager to talk about something else: drug-detection machines.

The Economist

Still, you can understand his eagerness to talk about something nonbudgetary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "to discuss" or "to address" to maintain a professional tone. However, "to talk about something" remains appropriate in many contexts, especially when aiming for a conversational style.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on the phrase "to talk about something" in formal documents or presentations. While clear, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "to address", "to discuss", or "to elaborate on". Varying your language enhances the perceived quality and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to talk about something" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it introducing a topic, indicating a shift in conversation, or expressing a desire to discuss a specific subject. The phrase is versatile and adaptable to various grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to talk about something" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce or indicate the discussion of a specific topic. According to Ludwig AI, its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for a wide array of contexts. While extremely common in news and media, and frequently used in academic and wiki environments, it might benefit from more formal synonyms like "to discuss" or "to address" in certain professional or scholarly settings. By being mindful of the context and exploring the suggested alternatives, you can ensure your writing remains both clear and sophisticated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to discuss something

This phrase replaces "talk about" with the more formal "discuss", implying a more structured or serious conversation.

to speak about something

Using "speak about" instead of "talk about" adds a slightly more formal tone, suggesting a more deliberate or public discourse.

to converse about something

This alternative employs "converse" for a more sophisticated and often reciprocal exchange of ideas.

to mention something

"To mention something" focuses on introducing a topic briefly rather than discussing it in detail.

to address something

"To address something" implies dealing with a specific issue or problem directly.

to touch on something

This phrase suggests a brief or casual discussion of a topic, without going into extensive detail.

to chat about something

"To chat about something" indicates a more informal and relaxed conversation.

to deliberate on something

This phrase implies a careful and thorough discussion, often with the aim of making a decision.

to comment on something

"To comment on something" suggests offering an opinion or reaction to a specific topic.

to discourse on something

Using "discourse" provides a more academic or intellectual connotation to the act of discussing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to talk about something" to sound more formal?

Consider using more formal alternatives like "to discuss something", "to address something", or "to elaborate on something" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "to talk about something" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "to talk about something" might sound too informal for certain academic contexts. Using more precise language such as "to analyze something" or "to examine something" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "to talk about something" for casual conversations?

In casual settings, you can use phrases like "to chat about something", "to mention something", or "to touch on something" to maintain a relaxed and friendly tone.

How does "to talk about something" differ from "to discuss something"?

"To talk about something" is a general phrase for conversation, while "to discuss something" often implies a more focused and structured conversation with a specific goal or outcome in mind.