talk over

Meaning

To 'talk over' something means to discuss an issue, a plan, or an idea thoroughly with someone else, usually to reach an agreement or make a decision. In academic settings, students and classmates use this phrasal verb when collaborating on group projects, reviewing homework, or brainstorming essay topics. It carries a friendly, collaborative, and casual tone.

Examples

• We need to talk over our presentation slides before we upload them tonight.

  We need to talk over our presentation slides before we upload them tonight.

• If you're confused about the lab results, let's talk them over after class.

  If you're confused about the lab results, let's talk them over after class.

• I'm going to meet with my advisor to talk over my thesis topic options.

  I'm going to meet with my advisor to talk over my thesis topic options.

• Before we start writing the group report, let's talk over who does which section.

  Before we start writing the group report, let's talk over who does which section.

• Can we talk over the assignment instructions? I don't really understand the second prompt.

  Can we talk over the assignment instructions? I don't really understand the second prompt.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to talk about over the assignment.

  ✓ We need to talk over the assignment.

  Learners often confuse 'talk about' and 'talk over'. Do not use the preposition 'about' with 'talk over' because 'talk over' already means 'to discuss'.

• ✗ If you have a problem with the essay topic, let's talk over it.

  ✓ If you have a problem with the essay topic, let's talk it over.

  When using a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them') with 'talk over', the pronoun must go between 'talk' and 'over' because it is a separable phrasal verb.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Let's meet at the library to ___ our group project ideas.

  💡 We need to discuss our ideas together.

  Show answer

  talk over

• We should ___ the feedback we got from the professor before revising our paper.

  💡 We need to discuss the feedback thoroughly.

  Show answer

  talk over

• If you have a minute, I'd love to ___ my study plan with you.

  💡 I want to get your advice on my study plan.

  Show answer

  talk over