Is it “Talk To” or “Talk With?” (Grammar + Examples)

Is it talk to or talk with? The phrases “talk to” and “talk with” can get confusing. They are only separated by a tiny modifier, “to” or “with.” The meaning of phrases “talk to” and “talk with” hold the same meaning. Although one phrase, “talk to,” often refers to one person speaking to another, while the other listens (and does not engage). And “talk with” suggest that both people are engaging in the conversation.

Let’s jump in to learn more…

Talk With or Talk To: What Is Correct?

Both the phrases, “talk to” and “talk with,” have similarities. The use of these terms is interchangeable.

However, “talking to” someone involves speaking while the other person listens. On the other hand, when you “talk with” someone, you both get to speak (a mutual discussion).

That means that in a conversation, “talk with” should be used when there is a two-sided discussion, while “talk to” should be used when there is only one speaker.

Let’s look at some sentences to understand how this works.

When to Use “Talk To”

“Talk to” can occasionally suggest having a direct, one-sided conversation about a certain subject while adhering to the rules.

When you say, “I talk with my colleague,” it suggests that you both take turns speaking and eventually have a conversation. However, when someone speaks to us, one person does all the talking while everyone else listens unless one group converses with another.

However, speakers and listeners must have a chance to speak in conversations. This is why “talk with” can be a more grammatically correct phrase.

Here are examples of how to use “talk to”

The teacher said to Ron, “I want to talk to your parents,” for getting bad grades.

You need to talk to your boss about the upcoming project.

You should talk to her parents.

You should not talk to your mother like that.

Jason wants to talk to you about the project.

I don’t know how to talk to her.

Can I talk to you for a minute?

I will talk to Sarah about her performance yesterday.

You should talk to your daughter. I think she is getting depressed.

I don’t think Sara has the courage to talk to her father.

When to Use “Talk With”

The phrase “talk with” can occasionally imply that two or more individuals speak to each other informally and on equal footing while exchanging information about various topics.

The other person does not necessarily have to agree with the point. It’s merely a conversation. And during the conversation, new topics can get raised (called a discussion). These people participate in a discussion or conversation while exchanging information.

Colleagues, classmates, friends, or equals that are having a discussion can get referred to as “talking with.”

When you are conversing with someone equal to you, it’s more appropriate to use the phrase “talk with.” This applies to referring to groups of people who are having a conversation, too.

Examples of how to use “talk with”

I feel so lonely. I have nobody to talk with.

I often talked with my son about his future.

I was talking with Joe about the project you have given us.

I had a talk with Sam yesterday about the party arrangements.

Conclusion

The phrases “talking to” and “talking with” are both correct. You can use them at your will when writing in both formal and informal settings.

Although “talking with” is more commonly referred to groups with an equal or active dialogue. Rather than “talking to,” where one person is speaking, and the others are listening.