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4 phrasal verbs with "Talk"
4 phrasal verbs with "Talk"
By Alena Lien,
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14 February 2021
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Click below to get more information on each phrasal verb.
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Talk around/round
"Talk around" is American English, and "talk round" is British English.
1. "Talk (somebody) around/round" - to persuade someone to agree to something.
This is usually separated.
"She's not convinced but I think I might be able to talk her around."
"I was hoping to talk Wally round to agreeing to the new policies."
"Come around/round" or "Talk around/round"
A similar phrasal verb is "come around/round," which means to change your opinion of something.
To me, this is more common than "talk around."
However the structure with "come around" is different because it is an intransitive phrasal verb and is used to describe a person's change of mind rather than someone persuading another person.
"I'll talk her around to the changes."
This means I will persuade her to agree to the changes.
"She'll come around to the changes."
This means that she will change her mind regarding the changes.
2. "Talk around/round (something)" - to avoid speaking directly about something.
This is not separated.
"In our last meeting, it felt like we were talking around the issues rather than addressing them properly."
"Why does it feel like we're talking round the problem?"
"Beat around/about the bush" or "Talk around/round"
"Beat around/about the bush" means to avoid talking about what is important or to avoid giving a definite answer. This is often used in the negative.
To me, this is more common and also more direct than "talk around" because it is often used as an imperative.
"Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth."
Talk (sb) into (sth)
- To persuade someone to do something, usually something that they are not willing to.
"I hate it when salesman try to talk you into buying something you don't want."
"I got talked into joining the gym the other day and I already regret it."
"Talk around/round" or "Talk into"
"Talk around/round" means to agree with an idea or a point of view, even though it is often used to refer to agreeing to do something.
"Talk into" usually refers to doing something.
"Wally talked her around to buying a new car."
This implies that Wally persuaded her to the idea of buying a new car. However this could also be used to mean that she was persuaded to actually buying it.
"Wally talked her into buying a new car."
This implies that Wally persuaded her to actually buying a new car.
Talk out
1. "Talk (somebody) out of (something)" - to persuade someone not to do something.
"Their parents talked them out of wanting to get married after only dating for two months."
"Eve was able to talk him out of quitting his job."
2. "Talk (something) out" - to discuss something with someone to resolve, settle, or find a solution to it.
This can be separated.
"We were able to talk out our problems and reach an understanding."
"I have to talk things out with my mum before things get worse."
Talk over
1. "Talk over (someone)" - to persuade someone to adopt one's position, opinion or point of view.
This is considered American English. To me, this use is not that common.
This can be separated.
"We're hoping to talk our boss over to our idea."
"I've spent the last few months talking him over to our side and he hasn't budged."
2. "Talk (something) over" - to discuss something.
This can be separated.
"We tried to talk over what happened the other day but we started arguing again."
"I'd like to talk this over with my partner first."
"Talk out" or "talk over"
"Talk something out" implies an intention to resolve or settle something - kind of like reaching a conclusion.
"Talk over" implies a conversation or a discussion, even though this can be used to refer to resolving or settling something.
"I'd like to talk this out with my partner."
This implies I want to resolve or settle something with my partner.
"I'd like to talk this over with my partner."
This implies I want to talk about or discuss something with the possibility of resolving or settling something.
Preposition: Over
- At a higher volume or pitch.
You can use this to refer to talking louder or over something or someone.
"They spent their whole date talking over the music."
"It's common for teachers to have to talk over kids, especially when they get excited or start talking to each other."
Related expressions
"Talk some sense into (somebody)" - (idiom) to help someone to stop thinking or behaving foolishly, or think about a situation in a reasonable way.
"Mum's been trying to talk some sense into her for months."
"Dad finally talked some sense into Wally and he agreed to stop drinking so much."
"Talk your way out of (something)" - (idiom) to avoid doing something or to get out of a difficult situation by charming or persuasive speech.
"Don't try to talk your way out of doing the chores today."
"You could try talking your way out of being the best man."