1 A2 neutral
To discuss a particular subject.
"We need to talk about the plans for the office move before the end of the week."
“
We need to talk about Kevin.
— Lionel Shriver, novel title 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' (2003)
inseparable
talk about
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To discuss a topic, or (as a fixed exclamation) to emphasize a striking example of something.
In plain English
To discuss a subject with someone, or to say 'wow, that's a really good example of something!'
What does "talk about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
Used as an exclamation to emphasize that something is an extreme or striking example of a quality.
"Talk about bad timing — I arrived just as they were leaving."
inseparable
Usage tip
The standard, high-frequency meaning is simply 'to discuss.' The exclamatory use ('Talk about lucky!') is informal and emphatic, often used to express surprise or irony. Extremely common in all varieties of English.
Words that pair with "talk about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
problem feelings future weather experience issue
How to conjugate "talk about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
talk about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks about
he/she/it
Past simple
talked about
yesterday
Past participle
talked about
have + pp
-ing form
talking about
continuous
Hear "talk about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "talk about"
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