talk about
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To discuss a subject with someone, or to say 'wow, that's a really good example of something!'
Meanings
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)
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
problem feelings future weather experience issue
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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