when talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"when talking about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to introduce a topic that the speaker or writer is discussing. For example, "When talking about financial planning, it's important to think about your long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First when talking about Kennedy's humanity and then when talking about the coalition.

The Guardian

She is happier when talking about cycling.

The Guardian - Sport

Daldry is warm when talking about children.

The Guardian - Film

She softens when talking about him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one cries when talking about it.

The New York Times

When talking about reverse engineering, it is necessary to focus on the management of point clouds.

Computer-Aided Design

These figures may be useful when talking about the models.

Yale University

When talking about argument, we use war metaphors.

The New York Times

When talking about time, we often use money metaphors.

The New York Times

The women play dumb when talking about their husbands' work.

The New York Times - Books

When talking about relationships, we often use health metaphors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the phrase is followed by a clear and relevant statement that directly relates to the topic being introduced.

Common error

Avoid using "when talking about" in overly general or vague contexts where the connection to the main subject is unclear. Be specific to ensure the phrase effectively narrows the focus of the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when talking about" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a conditional clause. It sets the context for a discussion, specifying the circumstances under which the following statement applies. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when talking about" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a specific topic or aspect within a broader discussion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable. It appears frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", making it suitable for various contexts while maintaining a neutral register. The phrase functions as an adverbial phrase setting the context for the subsequent statement. For clarity, always use a comma after the phrase. If you aim to change the nuance, consider alternatives like "in the context of" or "regarding the matter of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when discussing

Directly replaces "talking about" with a synonym, maintaining a similar structure.

considering the subject of

Implies a more thoughtful or deliberate approach to the topic.

in the context of

Focuses on the specific situation or environment being discussed.

concerning the topic of

Similar to 'regarding', but slightly more general.

as regards

A concise way to introduce a specific point or subject.

regarding the matter of

A more formal way to introduce a subject for discussion.

with reference to

Formally introduces a topic, often in academic or legal contexts.

with respect to

Highlights a particular aspect or viewpoint of the subject.

in relation to

Emphasizes the connection between the topic and other related factors.

in connection with

Highlights a direct link or association with the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "when talking about" in a sentence?

"When talking about" is used to introduce a specific topic or aspect within a broader discussion. For example, "When talking about education reform, funding is always a central issue."

What are some alternatives to "when talking about"?

You can use alternatives like "in the context of", "regarding the matter of", or "concerning the topic of" depending on the formality and specific emphasis you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use a comma after "when talking about"?

Yes, it is generally advisable to use a comma after "when talking about" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. For example, "When talking about finances, it's crucial to budget carefully."

How does "when talking about" differ from "while discussing"?

"When talking about" is a more general way to introduce a topic, while "while discussing"/"when discussing" implies a more active and ongoing exchange of ideas. The choice depends on whether you are simply introducing a topic or referring to an active discussion.