1 B1 neutral
To explain a process or situation to someone in detail, guiding them through it.
"The technician talked me through the installation process over the phone."
separable
talk through
B1 neutral separable transitive
To explain or discuss something in detail, especially to help someone understand or to work out a problem together.
In plain English
To go through something carefully by talking about each part of it with someone.
What does "talk through" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To discuss a problem or situation thoroughly with someone in order to understand or resolve it.
"Before making a final decision, let's talk through all the pros and cons together."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To speak while something is happening, providing a running commentary or explanation.
"The surgeon talked through the procedure as medical students observed."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To talk from one side of something all the way to the other (i.e., to completion).
Actually means
To go through something carefully by talking about each part of it with someone.
Usage tip
Very common in professional, educational, and therapeutic contexts. Can also mean explaining a process to someone in real time while they do it. Separable: 'talk someone through something.'
Words that pair with "talk through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
options plan problem process feelings steps decision
How to conjugate "talk through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
talk through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks through
he/she/it
Past simple
talked through
yesterday
Past participle
talked through
have + pp
-ing form
talking through
continuous
Hear "talk through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "talk through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.