Using indirect speech to report words and ideas (Common reporting verbs) (p. 5)

Using indirect speech to report words and ideas

Common reporting verbs

page 5 of 7

Using talk

Like the word speak, the verb talk is not followed by a that-clause.

We use talk plus a preposition to report the subject matter of someone's words:

But I'm talking about basic faiths and beliefs. (Bank of English)

Some journalists are talking of a protest strike.
(Microconcord Corpus A)

Note that in neither example is there a report of the words used in the original messages.

When we mention the hearer, we use talk to (or talk with, especially in American English):
Charley talked to Nanny about his home. (Bank of English)

I talked with him about the relationship between attitude and disease.
(Bank of English)

Introduction
Using say
Using tell
Using speak
Using talk
Using other reporting verbs
Reporting verbs and negation