Introduction
The phrase “talks about” is simple, clear, and widely used but relying on it too often can make writing feel repetitive and basic. Whether you’re working on academic papers, blog posts, professional emails, presentations, or creative writing, varying your language improves clarity, tone, and reader engagement. Different alternatives to “talks about” can convey nuance such as formality, depth, analysis, or casual discussion more precisely. Using the right phrase helps your message sound polished, intentional, and audience-appropriate. In this SEO-optimized article, you’ll discover 35+ other ways to say “talks about,” each clearly broken down with meaning, tone, example sentences, and explanations so you can confidently choose the best option for any context.
What Does “Talks About” Mean?
“Talks about” means to discuss, mention, explain, or address a topic verbally or in writing.
It carries a neutral tone and is commonly used in everyday conversation, academic writing, and professional communication.
When to Use It
You might use “talks about” or its alternatives in:
- Essays and reports
- Blog posts and articles
- Meetings and presentations
- Casual conversations
Examples:
- The article talks about climate change.
- She talks about her experience at work.
Is It Polite or Professional?
Yes, “talks about” is polite and acceptable in most contexts.
However, in professional, academic, or SEO-focused writing, stronger alternatives often sound clearer, more authoritative, and more engaging.
35+ Other Ways to Say “Talks About”
1. Discusses
Meaning: Explores a topic in detail
Tone: Professional
Example: The report discusses market trends.
Explanation: Ideal for formal writing.
2. Mentions
Meaning: Briefly refers to something
Tone: Neutral
Example: She mentions the issue briefly.
Explanation: Used for short references.
3. Explains
Meaning: Clarifies or makes understandable
Tone: Informative
Example: The guide explains the process.
Explanation: Teaching-focused wording.
4. Describes
Meaning: Gives details about something
Tone: Neutral
Example: The book describes daily life.
Explanation: Common in narratives.
5. Addresses
Meaning: Deals with a topic directly
Tone: Professional
Example: The policy addresses safety concerns.
Explanation: Strong and formal.
6. Covers
Meaning: Includes a topic
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: The course covers basic grammar.
Explanation: Broad and flexible.
7. Examines
Meaning: Looks at closely
Tone: Academic
Example: The study examines social behavior.
Explanation: Analytical tone.
8. Explores
Meaning: Investigates ideas deeply
Tone: Professional
Example: The article explores mental health.
Explanation: Ideal for in-depth content.
9. Focuses on
Meaning: Concentrates attention
Tone: Neutral
Example: The lecture focuses on leadership.
Explanation: Emphasizes priority.
10. Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to
Tone: Professional
Example: The report highlights key findings.
Explanation: Emphasis-driven.
11. Refers to
Meaning: Points to something
Tone: Formal
Example: The document refers to past cases.
Explanation: Common in academic texts.
12. Details
Meaning: Provides specific information
Tone: Professional
Example: The manual details the procedure.
Explanation: Precision-focused.
13. Analyzes
Meaning: Breaks down critically
Tone: Academic
Example: The paper analyzes consumer behavior.
Explanation: Research-oriented.
14. Reviews
Meaning: Evaluates or summarizes
Tone: Professional
Example: The article reviews recent changes.
Explanation: Often evaluative.
15. Outlines
Meaning: Gives a structured overview
Tone: Formal
Example: The plan outlines the strategy.
Explanation: Organized presentation.
16. Presents
Meaning: Introduces information
Tone: Professional
Example: The speaker presents new ideas.
Explanation: Neutral and polished.
17. Explains in detail
Meaning: Thorough explanation
Tone: Informative
Example: The guide explains the steps in detail.
Explanation: Emphasizes depth.
18. Touches on
Meaning: Mentions briefly
Tone: Casual
Example: The speech touches on economics.
Explanation: Light reference.
19. Elaborates on
Meaning: Expands explanation
Tone: Professional
Example: She elaborates on the concept.
Explanation: Adds depth.
20. Comments on
Meaning: Gives an opinion
Tone: Neutral
Example: He comments on recent events.
Explanation: Opinion-based.
21. Talks through
Meaning: Explains step by step
Tone: Casual
Example: She talks through the plan.
Explanation: Conversational tone.
22. Breaks down
Meaning: Simplifies information
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: The video breaks down the process.
Explanation: Easy-to-understand style.
23. Deals with
Meaning: Handles a topic
Tone: Neutral
Example: The book deals with identity.
Explanation: Broad and flexible.
24. Chronicles
Meaning: Records events
Tone: Formal
Example: The memoir chronicles her journey.
Explanation: Narrative-focused.
25. Illustrates
Meaning: Explains using examples
Tone: Professional
Example: The case study illustrates the issue.
Explanation: Example-driven clarity.
26. Introduces
Meaning: Presents something new
Tone: Neutral
Example: The chapter introduces key concepts.
Explanation: Early-stage explanation.
27. Clarifies
Meaning: Makes something clearer
Tone: Informative
Example: The teacher clarifies the rule.
Explanation: Removes confusion.
28. Summarizes
Meaning: Gives a brief overview
Tone: Professional
Example: The article summarizes the findings.
Explanation: Concise explanation.
29. Explains verbally
Meaning: Spoken explanation
Tone: Neutral
Example: She explains verbally during meetings.
Explanation: Speech-focused.
30. Addresses in detail
Meaning: Fully discusses
Tone: Formal
Example: The report addresses the issue in detail.
Explanation: Comprehensive tone.
31. Notes
Meaning: Mentions briefly
Tone: Formal
Example: The author notes an exception.
Explanation: Subtle reference.
32. Walks through
Meaning: Step-by-step explanation
Tone: Casual
Example: He walks through the setup process.
Explanation: Instructional tone.
33. Observes
Meaning: States a noticed fact
Tone: Academic
Example: The study observes a pattern.
Explanation: Research-based wording.
34. Expresses
Meaning: Shares thoughts or feelings
Tone: Emotional-neutral
Example: She expresses her concerns.
Explanation: Personal tone.
35. Sheds light on
Meaning: Makes something clearer
Tone: Professional
Example: The report sheds light on the issue.
Explanation: Insight-focused.
36. Communicates
Meaning: Conveys information
Tone: Professional
Example: The memo communicates expectations.
Explanation: Business-friendly phrasing.
Conclusion
Replacing “talks about” with more precise alternatives instantly improves the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing. Whether you’re aiming for academic depth, professional authority, or casual friendliness, choosing the right phrase helps convey your message more effectively. These 35+ alternatives give you flexibility across contexts—from essays and reports to blogs and everyday conversation. Experiment with them naturally, and your communication will sound more confident, engaging, and polished.
