while talking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"while talking about" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a topic or subject that is being discussed or mentioned in a conversation or piece of writing. Example: While talking about the upcoming election, Jane mentioned the importance of voting for a candidate who supports environmental protection.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We sit out in the open air for a while talking about children.

The Guardian

He does, however, flash impatience while talking about the current polarization.

The New York Times

The subject of menstruation had naturally come up while talking about "Carrie".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the library, members could order a drink while talking about flying.

The New York Times

While talking about his background, the archbishop abruptly stopped to sip from a cup.

The New York Times

While talking about this, Edgeworth, otherwise serene, suddenly did a double take and slapped the table.

The New Yorker

While talking about the same issue, Republicans tended to use the phrase "death tax".

The Economist

It's worth listening to, if only to hear Gio laugh while talking about his sliding skills.

The Washington Post

For a drummer Mr. Marsh stayed remarkably calm while talking about this unlikely turn of events.

The New York Times - Arts

While talking about that hacking, Blumenthal and I discussed Steele's reports.

The Washington Post

Streep raised the subject while talking about the rewards diversity has brought to Hollywood.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while talking about" to smoothly transition into a specific subject within a broader conversation or written piece, enhancing clarity and flow. Always ensure the phrase is followed by a noun or noun phrase that clearly identifies the topic being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "while talking about" with vague pronouns like 'it' or 'that' without clear context. Instead, specify the subject to prevent confusion. For example, instead of 'While talking about it, I realized...', use 'While talking about the new policy, I realized...' to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while talking about" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a topic or subject matter within a broader conversation or context. It sets the stage for specific details or insights related to the mentioned subject, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while talking about" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a topic of discussion. Ludwig and its examples confirm its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While grammatically correct and generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may suit specific academic or professional settings. Remember to pair it with clear, specific nouns to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a useful tool for contextualizing information and guiding the reader or listener towards the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the subject of

A more direct and less conversational way to introduce a topic.

when discussing

This focuses more directly on the act of discussion itself, rather than the simultaneous action.

regarding

A concise way to introduce the topic of conversation.

in the course of discussing

Implies a more formal or extended discussion.

when addressing

Highlights the act of dealing with a topic, often in a formal setting.

as we discussed

Refers back to a conversation already in progress or completed.

in connection with

Suggests a link or relationship between the discussion and the topic.

concerning the matter of

Offers a more formal tone, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

in relation to

Emphasizes the relationship or relevance of the topic to the main subject.

with reference to

Highlights a connection or citation of a specific topic.

FAQs

How do I use "while talking about" in a sentence?

Use "while talking about" to introduce a specific topic being discussed. For example, "While talking about the economy, she mentioned the latest job numbers".

What phrases are similar to "while talking about"?

Similar phrases include "when discussing", "on the subject of", and "regarding". Each offers a slightly different nuance but serves to introduce a topic.

Is "while talking about" formal or informal?

"While talking about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

Can I start a sentence with "while talking about"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "while talking about" is grammatically correct and serves to introduce the topic of discussion. For instance, "While talking about climate change, the panel explored various solutions".