under talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under talking" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a situation where someone is speaking in a subdued or quiet manner, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "During the meeting, he was under talking, making it hard for others to hear his points."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Under "talking points/business agenda," Mr. Cohn was instructed to "deliver the message that we want to expand our PB relationship," which referred to its prime brokerage business.

The New York Times

However, these programmes are often bundled under "talking therapies" treatment, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is misleading since talking is exactly what mindfulness practitioners aren't doing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Outside, on the lawn, I saw the under-sheriff talking to a man — Alfred Stoecklein, the hired man.

The New Yorker

The hero of Mr. Sorkin's version of events, Treasury secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., played by William Hurt, indicates the terrible stress he's under by talking ever-more softly.

The New York Times - Arts

The total number of utterances in both sessions under both talking conditions was 7200.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

My son is now, under anesthesia, talking about that horrible night.

Huffington Post

Chulip opens with a dream sequence in which the unnamed, male protagonist kisses the girl he loves under the talking "Lover's Tree" on a green hill.

Wikipedia

What else will have everybody under the tents talking?

Forbes

Each speaker was also asked to generate each sentence nine times under the shouted talking condition for testing purposes.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

That does not mean we wanted a huge percentage — we're talking under the "typical" 20percentt.

TechCrunch

I could do audio for Webcasts, talking under clips from movies I'm describing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase “under talking” in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise and commonly accepted alternatives like “speaking softly” or “discussing quietly” to ensure clarity.

Common error

Do not assume that “under talking” is a universally understood phrase. While it may appear in some contexts, it is not standard English. Using it can lead to confusion or misinterpretation, especially with non-native speakers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under talking" functions as a non-standard verb phrase. It attempts to describe the manner of speaking, but Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. Examples show varied usage, none of which clearly establishes it as correct English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under talking" is not a standard or grammatically correct English expression. As Ludwig AI explains, its use is questionable, and clearer alternatives are available. While it may be encountered in some informal contexts, it’s best to avoid it in formal writing and opt for more precise phrases like "speaking softly" or "discussing quietly" to ensure effective communication. Its frequency is rare, and authoritative sources do not consistently support its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speaking softly

Focuses on the manner of speaking, emphasizing low volume.

talking quietly

Similar to 'speaking softly', but may also imply discretion.

speaking in hushed tones

Implies secrecy or confidentiality in the way someone is speaking.

talking in subdued tones

Suggests a controlled and restrained manner of speaking.

muttering under one's breath

Suggests speaking very quietly, often to oneself.

speaking sotto voce

Uses an Italian term for speaking softly, often for dramatic effect.

whispering secretly

Implies both quiet speech and an element of secrecy.

speaking confidentially

Highlights the private or sensitive nature of the conversation.

discussing discreetly

Emphasizes the care taken to avoid attracting attention.

drawing a line under discussion

Indicates ending a conversation or debate about a particular topic.

FAQs

What does “under talking” mean?

The phrase "under talking" is not a standard English expression. It's likely intended to mean speaking quietly or subtly, but it's not grammatically correct and can be confusing. Consider using phrases like "speaking softly" or "talking quietly" instead.

What are some alternatives to “under talking”?

Instead of "under talking", you can use more common phrases like "speaking in hushed tones", "muttering under one's breath", or "discussing discreetly", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it correct to use "under talking" in academic writing?

No, it's best to avoid using "under talking" in academic writing. It's not a recognized or grammatically correct phrase. Opt for more precise and formal language such as "speaking softly" or "discussing confidentially".

When might “under talking” be appropriate?

While "under talking" isn't generally appropriate, you might encounter it in informal contexts or creative writing where non-standard language is used for stylistic effect. However, for clear communication, it's safer to use more conventional alternatives. In formal contexts is definitely not recommended.