we are talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are talking about" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when discussing a particular topic in an essay, article, or book. For example: "In this chapter, we are talking about the history of public transportation in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are talking about corruption.

Independent

We are talking about genes.

The New Yorker

We are talking about artists".

The New York Times

We are talking about football.

The New York Times - Sports

We are talking about gods and engineers.

Independent

We are talking about people's lives".

Independent

"We are talking about my towel.

The New York Times

And now we are talking about timetables.

The New Yorker

We are talking about Kurds," Osman said.

The Guardian

We are talking about fuel consumption.

The New York Times

"We are talking about small numbers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally substituting "we are talking about" with alternatives like "we're discussing" or "we're focusing on" to enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "we are talking about" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, use synonyms and transition words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are talking about" functions primarily as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in topic or emphasis within a conversation or text. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are talking about" is a versatile and frequently used expression that functions as a discourse marker to introduce or emphasize a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its widespread presence in news and media indicates its appropriateness for a neutral register. While very common, it's wise to use synonyms like "we are discussing" or "we're focusing on" to prevent repetition and enhance writing clarity. It's important to ensure that the phrase's usage aligns with the intended context, keeping in mind that it is best used to clarify the subject and keep listeners or readers engaged. With an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase remains a reliable and effective tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're discussing

This alternative replaces the continuous tense "talking" with "discussing", offering a slightly more formal tone, but retains the core meaning of the phrase.

we're focusing on

This emphasizes the act of concentrating on a particular subject, changing the focus slightly from general discussion to a more deliberate concentration.

we're addressing

This implies dealing with or considering a matter, suggesting a more problem-solving oriented approach than a simple discussion.

we're referring to

This specifies that you are making a direct reference to something, which might not always be the case when simply "talking about" something.

the subject at hand is

This alternative introduces a more formal and direct announcement of the current topic, changing the tone significantly.

what we're considering is

This alternative highlights the act of thinking about something, rather than just talking, adding a layer of contemplation.

the issue is

This alternative directly states the topic under consideration, often implying a problem or point of contention.

the topic of conversation is

This is a more formal way of introducing the subject of the discussion, suited for more structured settings.

let's discuss

This is a direct call to initiate conversation and replace the more descriptive "we are talking about".

in this context, we mean

This is used when you are clarifying the specific meaning within a particular situation or scenario, thus changing the scope of the sentence.

FAQs

How can I use "we are talking about" in a sentence?

You can use "we are talking about" to introduce or emphasize the topic of discussion. For instance, "We are talking about the importance of environmental conservation" indicates the main subject is environmental conservation.

What's a more formal alternative to "we are talking about"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we are discussing" or "the subject at hand is". These options provide a similar meaning but are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "we are talking about"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "we are talking about", especially when transitioning to a new point or emphasizing a particular aspect of the discussion.

What can I say instead of "we are talking about" to avoid repetition?

To prevent repetition, alternatives like "we're focusing on", "we're addressing", or "we're referring to" can be used, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.