talking
/tɔːk/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɔkɪŋ] /tɑːk/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɔkɪŋ] /ˈtȯk/ (ame, mw)
talking — verb
- talkingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- talkings3rd person singular
- talkinging-ing form
- talkingedpast simple
1. to produce words with your voice so that another person can hear and understand
to produce words with your voice so that another person can hear and understand you.
The children were talking so loudly that the librarian asked them to be quiet.
talking + adverb of manner
I could hear someone talking on the phone in the next hotel room.
talking + on + device
Otis kept talking during the film, which annoyed everyone around him.
Shanti was talking to herself while cooking, and her flatmate found it amusing.
- speaking
more formal; can refer to using a language or giving a speech
- chatting
more informal; suggests friendly, casual conversation
- conversing
more formal; suggests a two-way exchange
- listening
the opposite communicative action
文法句型
talking + to/with + someone
talking + about + something
talking + on + device
用法筆記
In this sense, talking is simply the physical act of speaking. It does not imply that a specific subject or serious discussion is involved. Use the pattern 'talking to/with someone' when referring to the listener, and 'talking about something' for the topic.
常見錯誤
2. to have a conversation with someone in order to settle a problem, end a disagree
to have a conversation with someone in order to settle a problem, end a disagreement, or find a solution together.
The couple spent the whole evening talking through their differences.
talking + through + difficulty
We need to sit down and start talking about how to solve this budget problem.
talking + about + solution
After months of not speaking, the brothers finally started talking again.
The neighbors are talking about building a shared fence to settle their dispute.
- discussing
more formal; focuses on exchanging ideas rather than resolving conflict
- negotiating
more formal; implies formal bargaining with clear positions
- ignoring
avoiding addressing the problem
文法句型
talking + about + problem
talking + through + issue
talking + things + over
用法筆記
This sense is often used in the context of relationships or conflicts. 'Talking through' a problem means discussing it in detail, while 'talking about' simply means raising the topic. This sense emphasizes the goal of reaching understanding or agreement.
常見錯誤
3. to exchange thoughts or opinions with someone about a specific topic or area of
to exchange thoughts or opinions with someone about a specific topic or area of interest.
Élise and Sofia were talking about their plans for the summer break.
talking + about + topic
The guests spent the whole dinner talking politics and current events.
talking + [subject] — transitive use
Roya's parents were talking of moving to the countryside after retirement.
Madison and Christopher spent the whole train ride talking about their favorite films.
- discussing
more formal; often implies a more structured exchange
- mentioning
means bringing up a topic briefly, not discussing at length
文法句型
talking + about + topic
talking + politics/sports/business
talking + of + someone/something
用法筆記
This sense is broader than sense 2 — it describes any exchange of ideas on a topic, not necessarily related to a problem. When used transitively (e.g., 'talking politics'), the subject noun follows directly without a preposition. This pattern is common with subjects like sports, business, music, or food.
常見錯誤
4. to speak to a group of people in an organized way about a particular topic, usua
to speak to a group of people in an organized way about a particular topic, usually in a less formal setting than a traditional lecture.
Dr. Obi will be talking about renewable energy at the community center next Thursday.
talking + about + topic + at + venue
Christopher is talking to the local history group about his research on old maps.
talking + to + audience + about + subject
Sivan is talking at the education conference about new ways to teach reading.
The professor enjoyed talking to first-year students about ocean ecosystems.
- lecturing
implies a more formal, academic setting
- presenting
suggests using slides or visual aids
文法句型
talking + to/at + audience + about/on + subject
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with noun sense 4. The verb form emphasizes the action of delivering the talk, while the noun form treats the talk as an event. 'Talking on' a subject is slightly more formal than 'talking about.'
talking — noun
1. the activity of speaking with someone; an exchange of words, thoughts, or inform
the activity of speaking with someone; an exchange of words, thoughts, or information between people.
There was a lot of talking in the hallway while students waited for their exam results.
uncountable noun: a lot of talking
All this talking has made me thirsty — let us take a break.
The librarian held up her hand to signal that talking was not allowed in the reading room.
The constant talking in the office made it hard for Madison to focus on her report.
- conversation
countable and more structured; implies two or more people exchanging ideas
- chat
more informal; suggests light, friendly talking
- silence
the absence of speech
文法句型
a lot of talking
some talking
all this talking
用法筆記
Used as an uncountable noun to describe the general activity or instance of speaking. It is not used with 'a' (❌ 'a talking') except in specific fixed expressions like 'a talking-to.' Use 'some talking' or 'a lot of talking' instead.
常見錯誤
2. informal conversation about other people's private lives or about events that ma
informal conversation about other people's private lives or about events that may not be true; rumors or gossip.
There has been a lot of talking in the office about who might get the manager position.
a lot of talking about + topic
Most of what you hear around the office is idle talking, so take it with a pinch of salt.
collocation: idle talking
All the talking about the merger has made employees anxious about their jobs.
The talking in the neighborhood was that a famous musician had moved in.
- facts
verified information as opposed to rumor
文法句型
talking + about + someone
idle talking
a lot of talking
用法筆記
This sense carries a slightly negative tone — it suggests the talking may be based on rumor or may not be serious. 'Idle talking' means conversation without purpose or substance, often about others' affairs.
3. serious discussions between groups, organizations, or countries aimed at reachin
serious discussions between groups, organizations, or countries aimed at reaching an agreement or making a decision.
The talking between the two companies broke down after neither side would compromise on price.
talking between + groups
Peace talks resumed in Geneva after a brief break for the winter holidays.
compound: peace talks
High-level talks on trade policy are scheduled to begin next month.
The talking between management and the union lasted late into the night.
- negotiations
more formal and precise; the standard term for formal bargaining
- discussions
slightly less formal than negotiations, but still serious
文法句型
talks between X and Y
talks on + topic
peace talks
用法筆記
In this meaning, 'talking' is often used in the plural form 'talks' (e.g., 'peace talks', 'trade talks'). The singular 'talking' here refers to the process as a whole. 'Talks' is far more common than 'talking' in formal negotiation contexts.
常見錯誤
4. a spoken presentation delivered to an audience to share knowledge or information
a spoken presentation delivered to an audience to share knowledge or information on a specific topic.
Dr. Obi gave a fascinating talk on the history of traditional Japanese pottery.
give + a talk + on + subject
The museum is hosting a talk on ancient navigation techniques next Saturday afternoon.
hosting + a talk
Xiu shared her experience during a short talk about her volunteer work with children in Vietnam.
Pim attended a talk on how to start a small online business.
- talk
more common than 'talking' for this meaning
- lecture
more formal and academic in tone
- presentation
often implies visual aids or slides
文法句型
a talk + on + subject
give a talk
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with verb sense 4. The noun form refers to the talk as an event rather than the action of delivering it. This usage is less formal than 'lecture' and usually implies the audience can ask questions or join the discussion afterwards.