What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
talking
Example
I was talking to my friend on the phone for hours. [talking: verb]
Example
He kept talking about his new car, and I couldn't get a word in. [talking: gerund or present participle]
conversation
Example
We had a great conversation about politics at the dinner party. [conversation: noun]
Example
She initiated a conversation with her seatmate on the plane. [conversation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Talking is more commonly used than conversation in everyday language. Talking is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while conversation is more formal and less common in casual conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between talking and conversation?
Conversation is typically associated with a more formal tone, while talking can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
