What are the definitions of “talk out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discuss a problem or issue to find a solution.
They had a meeting to TALK OUT how people felt.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “talk out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb talk out is to discuss a problem or issue in order to find a solution. It involves having a conversation with others to share ideas, opinions, and feelings to reach an understanding or agreement.
What are the different verb forms of “talk out”?
| Root Verb | talk out |
| Third Person Singular Present | talks out |
| Present Participle | talking out |
| Simple Past | talked out |
| Past Participle | talked out |
Example
We need to talk out our differences to resolve the conflict.
Example
She talks out her problems with her friends.
Example
They are talking out their issues in the meeting.
Example
Yesterday, we talked out our concerns about the project.
Example
The issues have been talked out and resolved.
What kind of phrasal verb is “talk out”?
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 out” 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
We talked out our differences.
Example
They talked the issue out 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 out” 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
We talked out our differences.
Example
They talked the issue out during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “talk out”?
Talk something out of proportion
To exaggerate or make something seem more significant than it is.
Example
He talked the problem out of proportion, making it seem worse than it was.
Good things to know
Does “talk out” have an informal or formal tone?
Talk out 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 a negotiation.
