The phrase “talks about” is extremely common in spoken and written English. We use it when describing conversations, explaining topics, summarizing content, or referring to what someone discusses in speech or writing. While it’s clear and correct, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive, basic, or less professional.
That’s where alternatives come in. Using varied expressions not only improves clarity and tone but also helps you sound more fluent, confident, and precise. Choosing the right alternative to “talks about” can strengthen your message, improve readability, and make your content more engaging for both readers and search engines.
This guide gives you 30+ natural, human-sounding alternatives, each explained clearly and supported with practical examples.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “talks about” when:
- You’re writing articles, blogs, or SEO content
- You want to sound more professional or academic
- You’re summarizing books, videos, reports, or presentations
- You’re avoiding repetition in essays or reports
- You want more precision or formality in your wording
- You’re explaining what someone focuses on or discusses
Avoid using these alternatives when:
- Simple spoken English is more appropriate (casual chats)
- The audience is very young or beginner-level ESL learners who need simplicity
30+ Other Ways to Say “Talks About”
1. Discusses
Meaning: Examines a topic in detail.
Usage: Common in academic, professional, and formal writing.
Tip: Ideal for essays, reports, and articles.
Examples:
- The article discusses climate change solutions.
- She discusses her experience during the interview.
- The report discusses market trends.
- The teacher discusses the lesson clearly.
2. Explains
Meaning: Makes something clear or easy to understand.
Usage: Educational or instructional contexts.
Tip: Use when clarity is the main goal.
Examples:
- The video explains how the system works.
- He explains the rules to new players.
- The guide explains each step carefully.
- She explains complex ideas simply.
3. Describes
Meaning: Gives details about how something looks, feels, or works.
Usage: Narratives, reports, summaries.
Tip: Works well for detailed information.
Examples:
- The book describes life in ancient times.
- She describes her journey abroad.
- The report describes the process clearly.
- He describes the problem in detail.
4. Covers
Meaning: Includes or deals with a topic.
Usage: Informal to semi-formal contexts.
Tip: Great for overviews.
Examples:
- The course covers basic grammar.
- The article covers health issues.
- The show covers current events.
- The training covers safety rules.
5. Focuses On
Meaning: Gives special attention to a subject.
Usage: Academic, business, and analysis writing.
Tip: Use when highlighting priority.
Examples:
- The study focuses on student behavior.
- The speech focuses on leadership.
- The article focuses on mental health.
- The project focuses on innovation.
6. Addresses
Meaning: Deals with a problem or topic directly.
Usage: Formal and professional writing.
Tip: Strong and authoritative tone.
Examples:
- The policy addresses social issues.
- The report addresses key concerns.
- The article addresses common myths.
- The meeting addressed customer complaints.
7. Mentions
Meaning: Refers to something briefly.
Usage: When the topic is not deeply explained.
Tip: Indicates limited detail.
Examples:
- She mentions her plans casually.
- The article mentions recent changes.
- He mentioned the issue briefly.
- The book mentions the event once.
8. Highlights
Meaning: Emphasizes important points.
Usage: Presentations, summaries, reports.
Tip: Use for key ideas.
Examples:
- The report highlights major risks.
- The speaker highlights success stories.
- The article highlights benefits.
- The video highlights common mistakes.
9. Examines
Meaning: Looks at something closely and critically.
Usage: Academic or analytical writing.
Tip: Formal and research-based.
Examples:
- The paper examines social behavior.
- The study examines new methods.
- The article examines trends.
- The report examines outcomes.
10. Explores
Meaning: Investigates a topic in depth.
Usage: Research, blogs, storytelling.
Tip: Slightly creative and engaging.
Examples:
- The book explores identity.
- The article explores new ideas.
- The podcast explores mental health.
- The essay explores human behavior.
11. Refers To
Meaning: Points to or mentions something.
Usage: Formal references.
Tip: Neutral and precise.
Examples:
- The term refers to a process.
- She refers to past events.
- The article refers to statistics.
- The rule refers to safety measures.
12. Details
Meaning: Provides specific information.
Usage: Reports and instructions.
Tip: Use for thorough explanations.
Examples:
- The guide details the procedure.
- The report details expenses.
- She detailed her plan.
- The article details the results.
13. Analyzes
Meaning: Breaks down information logically.
Usage: Academic and professional contexts.
Tip: Data-driven tone.
Examples:
- The study analyzes results.
- The article analyzes behavior.
- The report analyzes trends.
- He analyzes the situation carefully.
14. Outlines
Meaning: Gives a general plan or summary.
Usage: Introductions and summaries.
Tip: Keep it high-level.
Examples:
- The proposal outlines goals.
- The guide outlines steps.
- The article outlines issues.
- The report outlines policies.
15. Deals With
Meaning: Is about or handles a topic.
Usage: Neutral and flexible.
Tip: Good alternative for general use.
Examples:
- The movie deals with friendship.
- The article deals with health.
- The course deals with basics.
- The book deals with history.
16. Centers On
Meaning: Has something as its main subject.
Usage: Formal writing.
Tip: Use for central themes.
Examples:
- The discussion centers on growth.
- The story centers on family.
- The article centers on change.
- The debate centers on policy.
17. Elaborates On
Meaning: Adds more detail.
Usage: Follow-up explanations.
Tip: Use after an introduction.
Examples:
- He elaborates on the idea.
- The article elaborates on risks.
- She elaborated on her answer.
- The report elaborates on findings.
18. Introduces
Meaning: Presents a topic for the first time.
Usage: Openings and beginnings.
Tip: Great for first mentions.
Examples:
- The article introduces the concept.
- The book introduces new ideas.
- The video introduces tools.
- The lesson introduces grammar rules.
19. Breaks Down
Meaning: Explains step by step.
Usage: Informal and educational.
Tip: Friendly tone.
Examples:
- The video breaks down the process.
- The guide breaks down tasks.
- She breaks down complex ideas.
- The article breaks down costs.
20. Presents
Meaning: Shows or puts forward information.
Usage: Formal writing and speeches.
Tip: Neutral and professional.
Examples:
- The report presents findings.
- The article presents solutions.
- He presents his argument.
- The study presents evidence.
21. Illustrates
Meaning: Explains using examples.
Usage: Teaching and writing.
Tip: Works well with visuals or examples.
Examples:
- The article illustrates key points.
- The teacher illustrates grammar rules.
- The report illustrates trends.
- She illustrates her idea clearly.
22. Reviews
Meaning: Evaluates or summarizes.
Usage: Articles and critiques.
Tip: Use for assessments.
Examples:
- The article reviews research.
- The report reviews policies.
- The blog reviews products.
- The study reviews past data.
23. Shares
Meaning: Communicates information personally.
Usage: Informal or conversational tone.
Tip: Friendly and human.
Examples:
- She shares her experience.
- The blog shares tips.
- He shares his opinion.
- The speaker shares insights.
24. Touches On
Meaning: Mentions lightly without detail.
Usage: Brief references.
Tip: Indicates limited focus.
Examples:
- The article touches on ethics.
- The speech touches on challenges.
- The book touches on history.
- The lesson touches on basics.
25. Addresses the Topic Of
Meaning: Speaks directly about a subject.
Usage: Formal and academic writing.
Tip: Strong and professional.
Examples:
- The article addresses the topic of safety.
- The report addresses the topic of growth.
- The study addresses the topic of health.
- The discussion addresses the topic of change.
26. Narrates
Meaning: Tells a story or sequence.
Usage: Storytelling and case studies.
Tip: Use for chronological content.
Examples:
- The book narrates events.
- The article narrates his journey.
- She narrates her experience.
- The report narrates progress.
27. Examines In Detail
Meaning: Studies something thoroughly.
Usage: Research-based content.
Tip: Formal and precise.
Examples:
- The paper examines in detail the results.
- The article examines in detail trends.
- The study examines in detail behavior.
- The report examines in detail outcomes.
28. Looks At
Meaning: Considers or examines.
Usage: Informal to neutral.
Tip: Simple and flexible.
Examples:
- The article looks at solutions.
- The report looks at costs.
- The study looks at data.
- The video looks at common issues.
29. Goes Into
Meaning: Explains deeply.
Usage: Casual explanations.
Tip: Slightly informal.
Examples:
- The article goes into detail.
- She goes into the topic.
- The guide goes into examples.
- The speaker goes into depth.
30. Centers Its Discussion On
Meaning: Focuses discussion around one idea.
Usage: Formal writing.
Tip: Ideal for summaries.
Examples:
- The article centers its discussion on ethics.
- The report centers its discussion on growth.
- The study centers its discussion on data.
- The essay centers its discussion on leadership.
Bonus Section: Short & Polite Alternatives
- “This piece focuses on…”
- “The article explores…”
- “The content highlights…”
- “The discussion examines…”
- “This section explains…”
Final Writing Tips
- Match the phrase to your tone (formal vs casual)
- Avoid repeating the same verb in one paragraph
- Use formal alternatives for academic and SEO content
- Choose simpler phrases for general audiences
- Use stronger verbs when making key points
- Consider context: written, spoken, academic, or professional
- Always prioritize clarity over complexity
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