to talk things over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to talk things over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a discussion or conversation to resolve an issue or come to an agreement. Example: "Let's find a quiet place to talk things over and figure out the best solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Having this time to talk things over was particularly important for patients after being given their diagnosis.

BMC Health Services Research

He says Birbalsingh dropped by recently to talk things over.

The Guardian

Depositors of bank unable to open, met in high school auditorium to talk things over.

The New Yorker

But there are executives who want to talk things over in privacy who meet in places like the Setai.

The New York Times

A college friend who was struggling in one of his classes went to talk things over with his professor.

The New York Times - Books

In an open letter to the West German Socialist tradition unists inviting them to talk things over with East German "Socialists".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They gathered to meet with Jordan and talk things over, then held the Mavericks at bay as owner Mark Cuban tried to get one more meeting to close the deal.

The Guardian - Sport

It isn't that bad, if they go out for a meal so that they can talk things over don't worry because they won't start shouting in a public place.

WikiHow

Harue Sakaguchi, 70, said she and her husband Hiroshi, 74, had talked things over with their children, who agreed to the move because the family graves would be transferred.

The New York Times

They had plans, he said, to go out to dinner and talk things over.

The New York Times - Sports

And how are you going to get that I'd like to know, if you stay up on the farm all the time and never come down to the post office to see somebody and talk things over?" The farmer's image of the post office as the center of a town, as its hub, lies at the heart of my novel, The Postmistress.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to talk things over", consider the tone and context of your writing. It implies a desire for open communication and resolution, so ensure your language reflects that intent.

Common error

Avoid using "to talk things over" in situations where a formal or documented resolution is required. This phrase is best suited for informal discussions aimed at understanding or resolving issues, not for official agreements or directives.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to talk things over" is as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, acting as the main verb in a sentence, indicating the action of discussing a subject, problem, or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to talk things over" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of discussing something to reach an understanding or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across varied contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informality, making it suitable for everyday conversations and news reports rather than highly formal or scientific writing. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a desire for open communication and resolution. Alternatives such as "discuss matters" or "have a conversation" can be used for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to discuss matters

This alternative is more formal and general, referring to any kind of discussion.

to have a conversation

This is a more neutral and general way to describe a discussion.

to confer about something

Implies a more formal and structured discussion, often involving multiple parties.

to consult with someone

Suggests seeking advice or input from someone knowledgeable.

to hash things out

Suggests a more intense discussion aimed at resolving disagreements.

to iron out differences

Focuses on resolving specific disagreements or conflicts.

to negotiate a settlement

Implies a formal discussion aimed at reaching a legally binding agreement.

to deliberate on a topic

Suggests a careful and thorough discussion of a particular subject.

to reason together

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of discussing something rationally.

to get something off your chest

Highlights the emotional relief of discussing a troubling issue.

FAQs

What does "to talk things over" mean?

The phrase "to talk things over" means to discuss a matter in order to reach an agreement or understanding. It often implies a desire to resolve a conflict or clarify a situation through open communication.

What can I say instead of "to talk things over"?

You can use alternatives like "to discuss matters", "to have a conversation", or "to confer about something" depending on the context.

Is "to talk things over" formal or informal?

"To talk things over" is generally considered informal. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "to discuss the matter" or "to deliberate on a topic".

How do you use "to talk things over" in a sentence?

You can use "to talk things over" in a sentence like this: "After the argument, they decided to sit down and "talk things over" in a calm manner."