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Prepositions before nouns

How to use prepositions with talk

Talk commonly appears in fixed phrases such as talk of something or in talks. Some combinations depend on the wider sentence rather than the noun itself.

Quick answer

Common combinations with talk

Talk of something means discussion or rumours about it. In talks means involved in formal discussions. To talk is an infinitive verb form, not a preposition plus noun construction.

There was a lot of talk of change after the election.
The companies are in talks about a merger.
We need to talk before making a decision.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
talk of + topic

Referring to discussion or rumours

Use talk of to mention a subject people are discussing.

There is growing talk of new regulations.
We heard talk of a strike next month.
2
in talks with + person or group

Describing formal negotiations

In talks is common for business or political negotiations.

The government is in talks with union leaders.
They remain in talks with potential investors.
3
talk about + topic

Naming the subject of a conversation

Talk about is the most common way to introduce a topic after the noun or verb talk.

Their talk about climate policy lasted hours.
We had a long talk about travel plans.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
talk of
There was talk of expanding the office.
discussion or rumours about something
in talks
The sides are in talks over the contract.
engaged in negotiations
to talk
I called her to talk about the problem.
infinitive verb form, not a noun phrase
talk with
I had a talk with my manager.
a conversation with someone

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in talk for negotiations

English normally uses the plural form in talks for ongoing negotiations.

✕ The companies are in talk. ✓ The companies are in talks.

Confusing to talk with a noun phrase

To talk is a verb structure, not a preposition before the noun talk.

✕ We had to talk about budgets. ✓ We had a talk about budgets.

Using talk of for direct conversation partners

Talk of introduces a topic, not a person you speak with.

✕ I had a talk of my teacher. ✓ I had a talk with my teacher.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. There has been a lot of ___ reopening the airport.
2. The two companies are ___ a possible partnership.
3. We need ___ before making a final decision.

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Frequently asked questions

Is talk of formal or informal?

Talk of is neutral and works in both formal and informal English.

Why do people say in talks instead of in talk?

The plural talks is the standard expression for negotiations or formal discussions.

Can I say a talk about something?

Yes. A talk about a topic is a common noun phrase.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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