to talk something over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to talk something over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you discuss something with someone else in an effort to come to a resolution. For example, "We need to talk this issue over to find a solution that works for both of us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Earlier this week, she called in the middle of the day - she wanted to talk something over, she wanted some advice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You used to wait to go to the water cooler or a cocktail party to talk over something," said Richard Laermer, chief executive at RLM Public Relations in New York.

The New York Times

Call to make plans or to talk over something concrete, so you don't look desperate.

WikiHow

Let them know you have to talk over something with them, so that they understand you better.

WikiHow

If your mood can be described as a HAILSTORM, it's probably something to talk over with a THERAPIST.

The New York Times

"Do you want to talk about something?" will go over a lot better than "Why don't you ever talk to me??".

WikiHow

Ms. Baldrige was over the whole social secretary topic and wanted to talk about something more interesting.

The New York Times

"We have to talk about something".

The New Yorker

"We need to talk about something".

Los Angeles Times

"But it gave us something to talk about over lunch".

The New York Times - Books

The key point in all this for Peter was that the Middletons would have something to talk about over lunch at Her Maj's gaff.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to talk something over" when you want to convey the idea of a collaborative discussion aimed at reaching a shared understanding or decision. It implies a back-and-forth exchange of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "to talk something over" to mean interrupting someone or dominating a conversation. The phrase implies a mutual discussion, not a one-sided monologue.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to talk something over" functions as a means of initiating or suggesting a discussion about a specific topic or issue. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to talk something over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrasal verb that suggests a collaborative discussion aimed at resolving issues or making decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While its register is mostly neutral, it can lean towards informal in certain contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context implies a mutual exchange of ideas rather than a one-sided conversation. Remember that alternative phrases like "to discuss something" or "to hash something out" can provide subtle differences in meaning, which can eventually better express the purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to discuss something

This alternative is more general and lacks the implication of resolution present in the original phrase.

to hash something out

This phrase implies a more intense discussion, aimed at resolving differences.

to deliberate on something

This suggests a more formal and careful consideration of a topic.

to confer about something

This alternative indicates a formal consultation or exchange of views.

to consult on something

This phrase implies seeking advice or guidance from someone knowledgeable.

to reason something out

This suggests a logical and step-by-step analysis to reach a conclusion.

to kick something around

This alternative is informal and suggests a casual discussion of ideas.

to chew something over

This implies thinking carefully and at length about something.

to exchange views on something

This phrase emphasizes the sharing of opinions and perspectives.

to negotiate something

This suggests a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "to talk something over" in a sentence?

You can use "to talk something over" to indicate that you plan to discuss an issue collaboratively. For example, "We need "to talk something over" before making a decision."

What is a synonym for "to talk something over"?

Synonyms for "to talk something over" include "to discuss something", "to hash something out", or "to deliberate on something".

Is it correct to say "talk over something" or "talk something over"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable. However, "talk something over" is a phrasal verb where "over" functions as a particle modifying the verb "talk". The positioning of the particle after the object is common in such constructions.

What's the difference between "to talk at someone" and "to talk something over"?

"To talk at someone" implies a one-sided conversation where one person dominates, while "to talk something over" implies a collaborative discussion where multiple people exchange ideas and opinions.