Finding the right words can make workplace communication sound clearer, more confident, and more natural. If you often use “talks about” in emails, reports, presentations, or conversations, you may want a more precise alternative.
This guide covers other ways to say “talks about” for professional, formal, friendly, workplace, client, networking, and email situations. You will find alternatives such as discusses, addresses, covers, explains, examines, highlights, focuses on, explores, outlines, and refers to, along with practical examples.
The best synonym depends on what you mean. For example, “discusses” works well in professional writing, while “explores” suggests a deeper look at a topic. “Addresses” often works better when someone deals with a question or concern.
What Does “Talks About” Mean?
The phrase “talks about” means that someone speaks, writes, or communicates about a particular subject, idea, person, problem, or event.
For example:
- The manager talks about the new project.
- The article talks about workplace communication.
- Sarah talks about customer needs during the meeting.
The phrase works in everyday English, but it can sound simple or repetitive in professional communication. Choosing a more specific verb can make your message more polished.
Literal Meaning
“Talks about” simply identifies the subject someone discusses or describes.
The presentation talks about employee engagement.
This means the presentation covers the subject of employee engagement.
Tone
“Talks about” has a neutral, conversational tone. It does not sound rude or incorrect, but it may not provide enough detail for formal writing.
Compare:
The report talks about customer satisfaction.
with:
The report examines customer satisfaction.
The second sentence tells the reader that the report takes a closer look at the subject.
Purpose
You can replace “talks about” when you want to:
- Sound more professional
- Avoid repetition
- Make your writing more precise
- Match a formal business tone
- Describe a presentation or report accurately
- Explain what a person discusses
- Improve workplace communication
- Make business emails more polished
Emotional Context
The best synonym also depends on the emotional meaning.
For example:
The manager addresses the employee’s concerns.
sounds more purposeful than:
The manager talks about the employee’s concerns.
Similarly:
The speaker highlights the team’s achievements.
sounds more positive and focused than:
The speaker talks about the team’s achievements.
When Should You Use “Talks About” Professionally?
“Talks about” remains perfectly acceptable in many professional situations. You do not need to replace it every time.
Use it when you want a simple, conversational style.
During the interview, the CEO talks about the company’s future.
However, choose a stronger verb when your context requires precision.
In Emails
Use alternatives such as:
- discusses
- addresses
- covers
- outlines
- explains
- mentions
Example:
The attached report discusses the main findings from our customer survey.
This sounds more polished than:
The attached report talks about the main findings.
In the Workplace
Professional verbs can make reports, presentations, and meeting notes clearer.
The meeting focused on next quarter’s sales goals.
This gives the reader more information than:
The meeting talked about next quarter’s sales goals.
With Clients
When communicating with clients, use precise and respectful language.
Our proposal addresses your concerns about delivery times.
This sounds professional and solution-focused.
In Networking
A conversational alternative may work better in networking situations.
I’d love to hear more about your work in digital marketing.
You could also say:
I’d be interested in learning more about your experience in digital marketing.
These options sound natural without becoming overly formal.
In Customer Service
Customer service communication benefits from clear, direct language.
Our representative explained the available options.
or:
The support team addressed the customer’s concerns.
These verbs tell the reader what actually happened.
Other Ways to Say “Talks Ab*ut”
Below are 50 alternatives grouped by purpose. Each option includes its meaning, tone, best use, and an example.
Professional Alternatives
1. Discusses
Meaning: Talks about a subject in a focused way.
Tone: Professional and neutral.
Best use: Reports, meetings, presentations, and emails.
Example:
The report discusses the latest customer trends.
2. Addresses
Meaning: Deals directly with a topic, question, problem, or concern.
Tone: Professional and purposeful.
Best use: Client communication, reports, complaints, and business issues.
Example:
The proposal addresses the client’s main concerns.
3. Covers
Meaning: Includes information about a particular subject.
Tone: Professional and straightforward.
Best use: Reports, presentations, training, and agendas.
Example:
The workshop covers several important communication skills.
4. Explains
Meaning: Makes an idea or subject clear.
Tone: Clear and professional.
Best use: Instructions, reports, presentations, and customer service.
Example:
The guide explains how the new system works.
5. Examines
Meaning: Looks at a subject carefully and in detail.
Tone: Formal and analytical.
Best use: Reports, research, academic or business analysis.
Example:
The report examines the causes of declining sales.
6. Explores
Meaning: Looks at a subject from different angles.
Tone: Professional and thoughtful.
Best use: Articles, presentations, strategy documents, and discussions.
Example:
The presentation explores new approaches to employee retention.
7. Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to important information.
Tone: Professional and confident.
Best use: Reports, presentations, newsletters, and meetings.
Example:
The report highlights three major areas for improvement.
8. Focuses on
Meaning: Gives particular attention to a subject.
Tone: Professional and natural.
Best use: Reports, meetings, presentations, and articles.
Example:
The training session focuses on effective leadership.
9. Outlines
Meaning: Gives the main points without providing every detail.
Tone: Professional and concise.
Best use: Plans, proposals, reports, and presentations.
Example:
The document outlines our goals for the next quarter.
10. Describes
Meaning: Gives information about what something is like or how it works.
Tone: Neutral and professional.
Best use: Reports, product information, and business documents.
Example:
The document describes the company’s new hiring process.
11. Presents
Meaning: Gives information or ideas to an audience.
Tone: Professional.
Best use: Meetings, presentations, reports, and proposals.
Example:
The presentation presents the results of our latest survey.
12. Reviews
Meaning: Looks at something carefully, often to evaluate it.
Tone: Professional and analytical.
Best use: Reports, meetings, audits, and performance discussions.
Example:
The report reviews our current marketing strategy.
13. Analyzes
Meaning: Studies something carefully to understand it.
Tone: Formal and analytical.
Best use: Business reports, research, strategy, and data.
Example:
The study analyzes customer purchasing behavior.
14. Considers
Meaning: Gives attention or thought to an issue or idea.
Tone: Professional and measured.
Best use: Proposals, strategy documents, and decision-making.
Example:
The proposal considers several options for reducing costs.
15. Addresses the topic of
Meaning: Directly deals with a particular subject.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Best use: Reports, business documents, and official communication.
Example:
The report addresses the topic of workplace safety.
Formal Alternatives
16. Examines in detail
Meaning: Studies a subject closely.
Tone: Formal and analytical.
Best use: Reports, research, and formal documents.
Example:
The study examines in detail the factors affecting productivity.
17. Provides an overview of
Meaning: Gives a general summary of a subject.
Tone: Formal and polished.
Best use: Reports, presentations, proposals, and introductions.
Example:
The document provides an overview of our annual performance.
18. Provides insight into
Meaning: Gives useful understanding of a subject.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Best use: Reports, research, business presentations, and analysis.
Example:
The survey provides insight into customer preferences.
19. Deals with
Meaning: Discusses or handles a particular subject.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Best use: Reports, policies, and formal writing.
Example:
This section deals with the company’s privacy policy.
20. Refers to
Meaning: Mentions or points to something.
Tone: Formal and precise.
Best use: Documents, contracts, emails, and reports.
Example:
The final section refers to the updated compliance requirements.
21. Makes reference to
Meaning: Mentions something formally.
Tone: Very formal.
Best use: Official documents and formal correspondence.
Example:
The agreement makes reference to the revised payment terms.
22. Elaborates on
Meaning: Gives more information or detail about something.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Best use: Reports, presentations, and follow-up emails.
Example:
The speaker elaborates on the proposed changes.
23. Provides details about
Meaning: Gives specific information about a subject.
Tone: Formal and clear.
Best use: Reports, instructions, and business documents.
Example:
The document provides details about the implementation process.
24. Addresses the issue of
Meaning: Deals directly with a particular problem or concern.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Best use: Client emails, reports, complaints, and management communication.
Example:
The new policy addresses the issue of data security.
25. Considers the implications of
Meaning: Examines the possible effects or results of something.
Tone: Formal and analytical.
Best use: Strategy, research, reports, and executive communication.
Example:
The report considers the implications of the proposed changes.
Friendly Alternatives
26. Mentions
Meaning: Briefly talks about or refers to something.
Tone: Friendly and neutral.
Best use: Emails, conversations, and casual workplace communication.
Example:
She mentions the upcoming conference in her email.
27. Shares information about
Meaning: Gives information about a subject.
Tone: Friendly and helpful.
Best use: Emails, customer communication, and networking.
Example:
James shares information about the new training program.
28. Brings up
Meaning: Introduces a subject into a conversation.
Tone: Casual and friendly.
Best use: Conversations and informal workplace settings.
Example:
Maria brought up an interesting idea during lunch.
29. Chats about
Meaning: Talks casually about something.
Tone: Very casual.
Best use: Friendly conversations.
Example:
We chatted about our plans for the weekend.
30. Speaks about
Meaning: Talks about a subject.
Tone: Neutral and slightly more polished than “talks about.”
Best use: Conversations, presentations, and general writing.
Example:
The speaker speaks about the importance of teamwork.
31. Shares thoughts on
Meaning: Gives personal opinions or ideas about something.
Tone: Friendly and thoughtful.
Best use: Networking, emails, interviews, and discussions.
Example:
She shares her thoughts on the future of remote work.
32. Gives an update on
Meaning: Provides new information about something.
Tone: Friendly and professional.
Best use: Workplace communication and meetings.
Example:
Tom gives an update on the project’s progress.
33. Talks through
Meaning: Explains something step by step through conversation.
Tone: Friendly and collaborative.
Best use: Meetings, training, and problem-solving.
Example:
Let’s talk through the remaining issues.
34. Touches on
Meaning: Mentions a subject briefly.
Tone: Friendly to professional.
Best use: Presentations, reports, and conversations.
Example:
The presentation touches on several important topics.
35. Brings attention to
Meaning: Makes people notice something important.
Tone: Friendly and professional.
Best use: Emails, meetings, and workplace communication.
Example:
The manager brings attention to several safety concerns
Email-Friendly Alternatives
36. Discusses
The attached document discusses the proposed changes.
37. Outlines
The email below outlines the next steps.
38. Addresses
The report addresses the questions raised during our meeting.
39. Covers
The attached guide covers the main requirements.
40. Summarizes
Meaning: Gives the key points in a shorter form.
Example:
The memo summarizes our discussion from yesterday.
41. Provides an update on
Meaning: Gives the latest information.
Example:
This email provides an update on the delivery schedule.
42. Provides information about
Meaning: Gives useful facts or details.
Example:
The attached document provides information about our services.
43. Clarifies
Meaning: Makes something easier to understand.
Example:
The message clarifies the revised payment terms.
44. Explains
Meaning: Makes an idea or process clear.
Example:
The guide explains the new approval process.
45. Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to important points.
Example:
The report highlights the key findings.
Workplace Alternatives
46. Focuses on
Today’s meeting focuses on project priorities.
47. Addresses
The manager addresses the team’s concerns.
48. Reviews
The team reviews last month’s performance.
49. Discusses
The department discusses the upcoming changes.
50. Explores
The team explores new ways to improve productivity.
51. Evaluates
Meaning: Judges the quality, value, or effectiveness of something.
Example:
The committee evaluates several potential solutions.
52. Identifies
Meaning: Points out or recognizes important things.
Example:
The report identifies several areas for improvement.
53. Describes
The policy describes the company’s expectations.
54. Reports on
Meaning: Gives information about an event, activity, or result.
Example:
The manager reports on the team’s progress.
55. Provides an update on
The supervisor provides an update on the hiring process.
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Tone | Best Use |
| Discusses | Professional | Meetings, reports, emails |
| Addresses | Professional/Formal | Problems, concerns, questions |
| Covers | Professional | Reports, presentations |
| Explains | Clear | Instructions, customer service |
| Examines | Formal | Research and analysis |
| Explores | Professional | Ideas and possibilities |
| Highlights | Professional | Important points |
| Focuses on | Neutral | Meetings and reports |
| Outlines | Formal | Plans and proposals |
| Reviews | Professional | Performance and evaluation |
| Analyzes | Formal | Data and research |
| Mentions | Friendly/Neutral | Brief references |
| Brings up | Casual | Conversations |
| Touches on | Neutral | Brief discussion |
| Summarizes | Professional | Emails and reports |
| Clarifies | Professional | Questions and confusion |
| Reports on | Formal | Progress and events |
| Refers to | Formal | Documents and correspondence |
| Elaborates on | Formal | More detailed discussion |
| Shares thoughts on | Friendly | Networking and conversations |
Email Examples Using Better Alternatives
1. Client Email
Instead of:
Our proposal talks about your business needs.
Try:
Our proposal addresses your key business needs and outlines several practical solutions.
This sounds more confident and client-focused.
2. Email to a Manager
Instead of:
The report talks about last month’s results.
Try:
The report reviews last month’s results and highlights the main areas for improvement.
3. Email to a Colleague
Instead of:
The meeting talks about the new schedule.
Try:
Tomorrow’s meeting will focus on the new schedule.
4. Customer Service Email
Instead of:
This page talks about our return policy.
Try:
This page explains our return policy and provides the steps for requesting a return.
5. Networking Email
Instead of:
I read your article that talks about leadership.
Try:
I read your article, which explores modern approaches to leadership.
This version sounds more natural and professional.
6. Meeting Follow-Up
Instead of:
We talked about the budget in the meeting.
Try:
We discussed the budget during today’s meeting.
Or:
Today’s meeting focused on the proposed budget.
Common Mistakes When Replacing “Talks About”
1. Choosing a Synonym That Changes the Meaning
Not every synonym means exactly the same thing.
For example:
- Mentions = brief reference
- Discusses = gives attention to a subject
- Analyzes = studies something deeply
- Explains = makes something clear
- Highlights = emphasizes important information
Do not use “analyzes” if someone only mentions a subject briefly.
Weak:
The email analyzes the upcoming meeting.
If the email only gives the meeting time, this verb does not fit.
Better:
The email mentions the upcoming meeting.
2. Using “Discusses” for Every Situation
“Discusses” works well, but repeated use can make your writing predictable.
Instead of:
The report discusses sales.
The presentation discusses customer service.
The meeting discusses staffing.
Try:
The report examines sales trends.
The presentation covers customer service.
The meeting focuses on staffing needs.
3. Becoming Too Formal
Professional communication does not require complicated vocabulary.
Avoid unnecessarily formal phrases when a simple option works.
Instead of:
The document makes reference to the matter concerning employee scheduling.
Use:
The document refers to employee scheduling.
Clear language usually works better.
4. Using Casual Phrases in Formal Emails
Phrases such as “chats about” and “brings up” may sound too casual in a formal client email.
Casual:
The report chats about our new services.
Professional:
The report describes our new services.
5. Confusing “Talks About” With “Talks To”
These phrases have different meanings.
Talks about = discusses a subject.
She talks about the project.
Talks to = speaks with a person.
She talks to the project manager.
This distinction matters in professional communication.
Related Phrases and Expressions
Here are useful expressions connected to “talks about.”
1. Discusses
Talks about a subject in a focused way.
The team discusses the proposal.
2. Addresses
Deals with an issue or concern.
The report addresses customer complaints.
3. Covers
Includes information about a subject.
The course covers business writing.
4. Focuses on
Gives special attention to something.
The meeting focuses on productivity.
5. Explores
Looks at an idea from different perspectives.
The article explores leadership challenges.
6. Examines
Studies something closely.
The study examines consumer behavior.
7. Highlights
Emphasizes important information.
The presentation highlights key achievements.
8. Outlines
Gives the main points.
The proposal outlines the project plan.
9. Explains
Makes something clear.
The guide explains the process.
10. Reviews
Looks at something carefully.
The manager reviews the team’s performance.
11. Mentions
Refers to something briefly.
The email mentions the upcoming deadline.
12. Refers to
Points to or mentions something.
The contract refers to the revised terms.
13. Elaborates on
Provides additional detail.
The speaker elaborates on the strategy.
14. Summarizes
Provides the main points briefly.
The email summarizes our discussion.
15. Reports on
Provides information about something.
The manager reports on project progress.
16. Touches on
Discusses something briefly.
The presentation touches on workplace culture.
17. Provides insight into
Offers useful understanding.
The survey provides insight into customer behavior.
18. Gives an overview of
Provides a general picture.
The report gives an overview of the market.
“Talks About” vs. Its Alternatives
The phrase “talks about” works as a broad expression, but more specific verbs often improve professional communication.
| Phrase | Formality | Meaning | Best Context |
| Talks about | Neutral | Discusses a subject | General conversation |
| Discusses | Professional | Gives attention to a topic | Business writing |
| Addresses | Formal | Deals with an issue | Clients and reports |
| Explains | Neutral/Professional | Makes something clear | Customer service |
| Examines | Formal | Studies closely | Research |
| Explores | Professional | Considers different ideas | Strategy |
| Highlights | Professional | Emphasizes key points | Reports |
| Mentions | Neutral | Refers briefly | Emails |
| Covers | Professional | Includes information | Presentations |
| Outlines | Formal | Gives main points | Proposals |
| Analyzes | Formal | Studies deeply | Data and reports |
| Focuses on | Professional | Gives special attention | Meetings |
| Summarizes | Professional | Gives key points | Follow-up emails |
Cultural Usage: US and UK English
“Talks about” works naturally in both American English and British English.
The main difference does not involve grammar. Instead, professional style may vary by organization, industry, and audience.
US English
American business communication often favors direct and concise language.
Common choices include:
- discusses
- addresses
- covers
- focuses on
- explains
- highlights
Example:
The report addresses the main concerns raised by customers.
UK English
British professional communication also uses these alternatives, although some contexts may favor slightly more formal wording.
Example:
The report outlines the proposed changes.
Both versions remain natural and professional.
Corporate Communication
Corporate writing often benefits from precise verbs.
Instead of:
The presentation talks about company performance.
Use:
The presentation reviews company performance.
The second sentence tells the reader more about the purpose of the presentation.
Customer Service
Customer service requires clarity and empathy.
Use:
- explains
- addresses
- clarifies
- provides information about
- responds to
Example:
Our support team addresses your concern and explains the next steps.
Networking
Networking communication should sound professional without becoming stiff.
Good choices include:
- shares thoughts on
- speaks about
- discusses
- explores
- talks through
Example:
I enjoyed hearing you speak about your experience in international marketing.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
A simple way to choose the best synonym is to ask what the speaker or document actually does.
If it gives general information:
Use covers or discusses.
If it deals with a problem:
Use addresses.
If it makes something clear:
Use explains or clarifies.
If it studies something:
Use examines or analyzes.
If it gives special attention:
Use highlights or focuses on.
If it gives only a brief reference:
Use mentions or refers to.
If it gives the main points:
Use outlines.
If it considers different possibilities:
Use explores.
If it gives a short version:
Use summarizes.
This approach helps you choose a professional way to say “talks about” without forcing a synonym into the sentence
FAQs
What is another word for “talks about”?
Common alternatives include discusses, addresses, covers, explains, examines, explores, mentions, highlights, reviews, and focuses on.
What is a professional way to say “talks about”?
“Discusses” provides one of the best general professional alternatives.
Example:
The report discusses the company’s future plans.
What is a formal alternative to “talks about”?
Depending on the context, use examines, addresses, analyzes, considers, refers to, elaborates on, or provides an overview of.
Is “talks about” professional?
Yes. “Talks about” is grammatically correct and acceptable in professional communication. However, a more specific verb can make formal writing clearer and stronger.
What can I say instead of “the article talks about”?
Try:
The article discusses…
The article expl*res…
The article examines…
The article covers…
Choose the verb based on what the article actually does.
What is a good synonym for “talks about” in an essay?
Discusses, examines, explores, analyzes, considers, and addresses work well in essays.
What is another way to say “the report talks about”?
You can say:
The report discu*ses…
The report ex*mines…
The report covers…
The report addresses…
The report highlights…
How do I say “talks about” in a business email?
Use a precise verb such as discusses, outlines, addresses, covers, explains, or provides information about.
Example:
The attached document outlines the proposed changes.
What is a casual way to say “talks about”?
In casual conversation, you can use chats about, brings up, speaks about, or mentions, depending on the meaning.
What is a synonym for “talks about” when someone mentions something briefly?
Use mentions or refers to.
Example:
The manager mentions the upcoming deadline.
What is a better word than “talks about” for a report?
Use discusses, examines, analyzes, reviews, covers, addresses, or outlines.
The correct choice depends on the report’s purpose.
What sh*uld I use instead of “talks about” in a formal presentation?
Try discusses, examines, explores, highlights, covers, or addresses.
Example:
Today’s presentation explores strategies for improving customer retention.
Is “addresses” the same as “talks about”?
Not exactly. “Addresses” suggests that someone directly deals with a topic, issue, concern, or question. “Talks about” has a broader meaning.
Is “discusses” more formal than “talks about”?
Generally, yes. “Discusses” sounds more polished and concise in many professional and academic contexts.
Which alternative is best for business communication?
“Discusses” works as the safest general choice. However, addresses, outlines, explains, examines, highlights, and focuses on may work better when you want to communicate a specific meaning.
Best Alternatives at a Glance
If you need a quick answer, use this guide:
Best overall professional alternative:
Discusses
Best formal alternative:
Examines
Best for problems or concerns:
Addresses
Best for reports:
Discusses / examines / reviews
Best for presentations:
Covers / explores / highlights
Best for explaining information:
Explains
Best for emphasizing key points:
Highlights
Best for plans:
Outlines
Best for brief references:
Mentions
Best for data:
Analyzes
Best for meetings:
Focuses on / discusses
Best for casual conversation:
Brings up / chats about
Best for business emails:
Discusses / addresses / outlines / provides an update on
Final Summary
The best other ways to say “talks about” depend on your audience and purpose. For most professional communication, discusses provides the safest choice. Use addresses when someone deals with a concern, examines when someone studies a subject closely, explores when someone considers different ideas, and highlights when someone emphasizes important inf*rmation. For emails, outlines, explains, summarizes, and provides an update on can make your message more precise. In casual conversations, brings up and chats about sound more natural. Cho*se the word that describes the action accurately rather than replacing “talks about” simply for variety.
