Language tip of the week: talk

In this weekly post, we bring more useful content from the Macmillan Dictionary to English language learners. In this series of language tips to accompany the Real Vocabulary theme we look at how you can expand your vocabulary in English by using different words and expressions instead of core vocabulary items.

This week’s tip looks at the verb talk. Talk is the most general word that means ‘to have a conversation or discussion with someone about something’. Although talk sometimes means the same as speak, its focus is more on using words in order to communicate with someone.

I need to talk to you. ♦ Did you talk to Robin about the new contract? ♦ My wife and I aren’t talking these days. ♦ You never talk to me any more (=you never discuss things with me). ♦ You shouldn’t talk while someone is playing. ♦ Please will you all stop talking for a minute?
Talk is also used about babies learning to use language:
Their baby is nearly two, but she hasn’t learned to talk yet.
Talk is also a noun, and is often used in the expression have a talk:
Roger and I had a nice talk. ♦ I’ll have a talk with your teacher.