Ever find yourself using “talks about” a little too much? Yeah, same here! It feels like it sneaks into everything we write or say. But don’t worry—I’ve got you! There are so many other cool and simple ways to say “talks about,” and they can make your writing sound way more fun and fresh. In this post, I’ll share 21 great alternatives, each with a short and easy explanation. You’ll be swapping out “talks about” like a pro in no time. Ready? Let’s jump in!
1. Discusses
When someone discusses something, they are sharing thoughts or ideas in a calm and open way. It usually happens between two or more people. They take turns, listen, and respond. You can use “discusses” in writing or speaking. For example, a teacher discusses a topic in class. Or friends discuss plans for the weekend. It sounds more thoughtful than “talks about” and shows that people are really thinking things through. So next time you’re writing something serious or formal, “discusses” might be the perfect fit. It’s clear, polite, and easy to understand.
2. Mentions
Mentions means to say something quickly without going into detail. It’s like bringing something up just for a second. For example, you might say, “She mentioned the party but didn’t say much.” It’s super casual and easy to use in both talking and writing. If someone mentions something, they’re not giving a long speech. They’re just lightly bringing it into the conversation. It’s perfect for quick ideas or side notes. So when someone talks about something briefly, “mentions” is the right word to use instead of saying “talks about” all the time.
3. Covers
When someone covers something, it means they are talking about a topic in a wide or full way. Think of a book that covers science or a video that covers how to cook pasta. It’s like putting a blanket over a topic—it gives you all the parts you need to know. “Covers” is great when you want to say that something includes all or most parts of a subject. So instead of saying “talks about everything,” try saying it “covers the topic.” It sounds more clear and shows that it’s giving lots of info.
4. Speaks on
“Speaks on” is often used when someone gives a talk, a lesson, or a public speech about something. It sounds a bit more formal than “talks about.” For example, a guest at an event might speak on the topic of health or education. You can use it when talking about a teacher, a leader, or anyone who gives a message to others. It’s short, simple, and sounds smart. Next time you want to say someone talked about something in front of people, try “speaks on” instead. It adds a nice, clean touch to your sentence.
5. Explains
To explain means to make something easier to understand. When someone explains something, they are usually talking about it in a simple and clear way. For example, a person might explain how to bake a cake or how to use a phone. It shows that they are not just talking—they’re helping someone learn. “Explains” is a great word when the goal is to teach or share how something works. It’s better than just saying “talks about” because it shows that the speaker is trying to make a point very clear.
See Also: 18 Other Ways to Say “This Quote Shows”
6. Goes over
When someone goes over something, they are taking time to look at it step by step. Teachers go over homework in class. Parents go over plans with their kids. It’s not too formal and not too casual. It’s a good middle word that fits many situations. You can use “goes over” when someone is talking about something with a little care or detail. It means they are walking through the topic, not just mentioning it quickly. It’s a super useful word when explaining ideas or reviewing something important.
7. Brings up
“Brings up” is a fun and easy way to say that someone started talking about something. It means they added a topic into the conversation. For example, “He brought up the idea of going to the beach.” It doesn’t mean they explained it all—just that they started the talk about it. It works great in daily chats, stories, and even writing. It’s casual, smooth, and makes your words feel natural. Next time you want to say someone talked about something first, use “brings up” instead. It fits perfectly in most conversations.
8. Addresses
To address something means to talk about it in a serious or careful way. It’s like giving full attention to a topic or problem. For example, a boss might address an issue at work. Or a speaker might address a question from the crowd. It sounds thoughtful and strong. This word works well when you want to show that someone is not just talking—they are taking the subject seriously. Instead of saying someone just “talks about” an issue, you can say they “address it” to sound more clear and focused.
9. States
When someone states something, they say it clearly and with confidence. They are not asking, guessing, or hoping—they are just saying what they believe or know. For example, “She stated her opinion about the movie.” It works great when you want to sound sure or serious. This word is often used in news, writing, or formal talks. It helps make the speaker sound strong and direct. Use “states” when someone gives facts, thoughts, or ideas in a clear way instead of just lightly talking about them.
10. Talks through
“Talks through” is used when someone explains something slowly, step by step. It’s like helping someone understand all the parts of a topic. For example, “He talked me through how to fix the car.” It shows that the speaker is being helpful and clear. This word is great for moments when someone gives support while explaining. It’s more detailed than just “talks about” and shows care in the explanation. If you ever want to say that someone helped someone understand something, “talks through” is a perfect and friendly choice.
11. Comments on
When someone comments on something, they are sharing their thoughts or ideas about it. It might be short or long, but it’s always their opinion. For example, “She commented on the movie after watching it.” It’s a nice word to use when someone is giving their view, especially in writing or speaking. You might hear it a lot on social media too. It’s a little more thoughtful than just saying “talks about,” and it shows that the speaker is reacting to something. It’s a cool and simple word to use every day.
12. Reports on
To report on something means to give clear details about it, often in a news or official way. Think of a news anchor reporting on a big event. Or a student reporting on a science project. It’s not just chatting—it’s giving facts. “Reports on” makes it sound more organized and serious. Use this when someone is sharing information with a goal to inform others. It works well in school, work, or news talk. It gives more weight than just saying “talks about” and makes your sentence sound more smart and formal.
13. Points out
When someone points out something, they are showing or saying something important that others might miss. It’s like shining a light on it. For example, “She pointed out the mistake in the paper.” It means the speaker is helping others see something clearly. It’s not always long—it can be quick and sharp. This word works great when someone adds something helpful or corrects an error. It’s better than just saying “talks about” because it shows that the person is helping in some way by noticing something useful.
14. Highlights
To highlight something means to show that it’s extra important. Like using a yellow marker on key words, but with words instead. For example, “He highlighted the main points in his talk.” It’s a great word when someone is talking about something with extra focus. You use it when someone wants to make sure others don’t miss the best or most important parts. It’s stronger than just saying “talks about” because it means the person is showing what matters most. It’s clear, easy, and useful in writing or speech.
15. Notes
When someone notes something, they are saying it in a quick but smart way. It’s usually short and might be in passing, but it shows that they see it and want to say something. For example, “She noted that the room was too cold.” It sounds a little more formal than “mentions” and works great in writing. It’s calm, thoughtful, and simple. “Notes” is perfect when someone brings up something important without going into a big talk. Use it when you want to show awareness but keep things short and clear.
See Also: 17 Other Ways to Say “Thank You Very Much”
16. Outlines
To outline something means to give the main points without too many small details. It’s like making a quick list or map of an idea. For example, “He outlined his plan for the trip.” It helps the listener or reader see the big picture. It’s great for planning, teaching, or sharing steps. This word is more useful than just saying “talks about” because it shows that the person is organizing their thoughts clearly. It’s a helpful way to share info quickly and keep things easy to follow.
17. Shares
“Shares” is a warm and friendly word. It means someone is giving their thoughts, feelings, or ideas with others. For example, “She shared her story with the group.” It sounds kind and open. This word is perfect when you want to show that someone is not just talking—they are giving something personal or helpful. It’s softer and more caring than just saying “talks about.” You can use it in many kinds of writing, from blogs to stories to speeches. It works great when emotions or personal stories are involved.
18. Delivers
To deliver something means to give it, and when talking, it means giving a message or speech in a clear way. For example, “He delivered a great speech.” It sounds powerful and organized. It shows the speaker is serious and ready. This word fits best when talking about public talks, lessons, or news. It’s stronger than “talks about” and makes the moment feel bigger. Use “delivers” when you want to show that the speaker gave their message in a real and planned way. It’s a great word for formal or public speaking.
19. Recaps
“Recaps” means to give a quick summary of what was said, done, or seen before. For example, “She recapped the meeting for the team.” It’s like going over the highlights. It’s short, helpful, and to the point. This word is great when you want to say someone gave a review or reminder about something that already happened. Instead of just saying “talks about it again,” try saying “recaps it.” It sounds smart and clean. It’s a good word for school, work, or even talking about shows and stories.
20. Touches on
“Touches on” means to talk about something only a little bit. It’s like gently bringing it up without going deep into it. For example, “The speaker touched on climate change but didn’t go into detail.” It’s a nice word when someone gives a quick idea or hint. It works in writing, speaking, or even teaching. It’s different from “talks about” because it shows that the topic was not the main part—just a small point. It’s easy to use and adds a soft, simple tone to your sentence.
21. Talks through
“Talks through” is when someone guides another person step by step through an idea or task. For example, “She talked me through how to open the app.” It shows that the speaker is being helpful and careful. This phrase is friendly and often used in learning or support. It means the person is not just chatting—they are leading someone with care. It’s better than just saying “talks about” because it includes support and detail. Use “talks through” when you want to show helpful, thoughtful explaining in a simple way.
I hope these fresh and easy words help you say “talks about” in new ways. With all these options, your writing can sound more fun, smart, and clear. You don’t need to use the same words all the time. Try a few from this list and see what feels right. Whether you’re writing a blog, story, or school paper, these new words can make your ideas stand out. Keep learning and playing with language—it’s a great way to grow. Let your words shine in every sentence!
