What are the definitions of “talk around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Persuade.
He TALKED them AROUND to accepting his point of view.
- 2Talk about a problem or issue without really dealing with it.
They TALKED AROUND the issue without reaching a conclusion.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk around is to discuss a topic or issue without directly addressing it or dealing with it. This can involve avoiding the main point or not providing a clear solution.
What are the different verb forms of “talk around”?
| Root Verb | talk around |
| Third Person Singular Present | talks around |
| Present Participle | talking around |
| Simple Past | talked around |
| Past Participle | talked around |
Example
They always talk around the main issue during meetings.
Example
She talks around the problem instead of facing it.
Example
He is talking around the subject, avoiding the main point.
Example
Yesterday, they talked around the issue without finding a solution.
Example
The problem has been talked around for years without any progress.
What kind of phrasal verb is “talk around”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“talk around” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He talked them around to accepting his point of view.
Example
She talked around the issue during the meeting.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“talk around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He talked them around to accepting his point of view.
Example
She talked around the issue during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “talk around”?
Good things to know
Does “talk around” have an informal or formal tone?
Talk around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal discussions, such as in a business meeting or academic context.
