Do you talk TO someone or talk WITH someone?

[AviatorTom]

Which of these do you prefer? Both may be grammatically correct.

1. I talk to someone.

2. I talk with someone.

Please vote in the poll, and explain your choice if you want.

I talk TO someone.

I talk WITH someone.

I do BOTH.. I talk TO/WITH someone.

I don't talk

[CrazyGirl2]

Grammatically, it's entirely contextual. In general, "talking with" tends to emphasize mutual communication and engagement, while "talking to" may imply a more direct or informational exchange. However, in casual conversation, they are often used interchangeably, and the choice between them may not significantly alter the meaning of the sentence. Especially online where there is almost no differentiation between the written and spoke word. Online people tent to write as if they were speaking. Once you notice it, you'll see it everywhere.

I hope this helps
Laura 🤗 🥰

[purplepoppy]

"Talking to" sounds one directional while "talking with" more conversational. I think both are grammatically correct if not always diplomatically correct.

Or if you see Talking as a verb

I was playing with John is better than I was playing to John. Substitute playing for talking..

[AviatorTom]

@purplepoppy When you play with John, does he play with you?

[RebelinSteel]

I tend to use, with if it’s me going to have a talk with someone.

if it’s saying to another person I will say ‘can you go and talk to…’

i also use At,

The use of To is also that disciplinary tone as well, ‘I have just given the other shift a good talking to about…’

[DJB72]

The context tells which is correct. A superior talks to a subordinate. A lawyer talks to the jury.

Equals in conversation talk with each other.

[DishLady]

WITH is a more robust convo and involves sharing info, some pleasantries, etc.


TO/AT is more what a parent/teacher does with a child — or used to. That’s not even the standard parenting/teaching style anymore….

[LostandFound__x]

Ooh I think it depends!

talk to someone about something you need to talk about.

Talk with someone if you’re having a conversation. Like having a chat.

[matchrestore]

I always try to talk with someone instead of to someone.

[strateguy632]

i WILL talk to him.

i already spoke WITH him

[Caroline91]

Depends on the situation. Some people make it difficult to talk with so I quit trying.,,

[Aubrey97]

I admit "with" makes more sense but I always say "to".

[Neatfinity_YT]

Talking to someone is one sided conversation talking with someone as a two sided conversation it’s grammar don’t overthink it

[elaphe]

It's kind of like the difference between hearing and listening.

[msc545]

Depending on my reasons for speaking to people, I talk both to them and with them a lot.

[loves2learn]

With

[exitseven]

I do both.