When you need to discuss a problem, idea, or decision with someone, saying talk things over is a natural way to describe that conversation. However, you may want a different expression depending on the situation, tone, or relationship you have with the other person.
Talk things over means to discuss something carefully with another person, especially when you want to understand the situation, consider different ideas, or reach a decision together. You can use it for casual conversations as well as more serious discussions.
Examples:
- Let’s talk things over before we make a final decision.
- She wanted to talk things over with her manager.
The phrase works well in everyday English, but it isn’t always the best choice. You might want to sound more professional, friendly, formal, or direct depending on the context. That’s why people often search for other ways to say talk things over, another way to say talk things over, or different ways to say talk things over when they want a more suitable expression.
In this guide, you’ll discover 27+ other ways to say talk things over, including useful alternatives such as discuss the matter, have a conversation, talk it through, go over the details, compare ideas, and work things out. Each alternative includes a clear example so you can choose the right expression for your conversation, email, message, or professional writing.
What Does “Talk Things Over” Mean?
Talk things over means to discuss a situation, problem, decision, or disagreement with another person before deciding what to do.
The expression often suggests that both people want to consider the situation together. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re arguing or trying to reach a formal agreement.
For example:
“Let’s talk things over before we make a final decision.”
Here, the speakers want to discuss the situation and consider their options.
Similarly:
“We need to talk things over before moving forward with the project.”
The phrase can work in personal, professional, and everyday conversations. However, the best alternative changes depending on the purpose of the discussion.
Other Ways to Say Talk Things Over
If you’re looking for a direct replacement, these are some of the most useful choices. Each one has a slightly different feel, so consider the context before choosing one.
1. Discuss It
Meaning: Talk about a subject, problem, or decision with another person.
Best for: General conversations, work, school, and professional communication.
Tone: Neutral or professional.
Example:
“Let’s discuss it before we decide what to do.”
This is one of the safest replacements because it works in many situations.
2. Talk It Through
Meaning: Discuss something carefully from beginning to end, especially when you’re trying to understand or solve it.
Best for: Problems, disagreements, decisions, and personal situations.
Tone: Neutral and conversational.
Example:
“We’ve had a rough day, but I think we can talk it through.”
When the goal is to work through a complicated issue, this phrase often sounds more natural than simply saying “discuss it.”
3. Talk It Out
Meaning: Discuss a disagreement or problem openly in an effort to resolve it.
Best for: Arguments, conflicts, and personal disagreements.
Tone: Casual and conversational.
Example:
“We don’t have to agree right away. Let’s talk it out.”
Unlike “talk things over,” this phrase often carries a stronger sense of resolving tension.
4. Have a Conversation
Meaning: Speak with someone about a subject or situation.
Best for: Personal, professional, and general communication.
Tone: Neutral.
Example:
“I think we should have a conversation about what happened.”
This expression is broad, so it works when you don’t need to specify exactly what the discussion will accomplish.
5. Discuss the Matter
Meaning: Talk about a particular issue or situation.
Best for: Business emails, formal conversations, and professional settings.
Tone: Formal or professional.
Example:
“Let’s meet tomorrow to discuss the matter in more detail.”
For workplace writing, this can sound more polished than “talk things over.”
6. Go Over It
Meaning: Review or discuss something, usually by looking at the details together.
Best for: Plans, instructions, documents, schedules, and decisions.
Tone: Casual or professional.
Example:
“Can we go over it one more time before the presentation?”
The phrase focuses more on reviewing information than resolving a disagreement.
7. Work It Out
Meaning: Discuss a problem and find a way to resolve it.
Best for: Disagreements, practical problems, and difficult situations.
Tone: Neutral and conversational.
Example:
“We have different ideas, but I’m sure we can work it out.”
This is a particularly useful choice when the conversation has a clear goal: finding a solution.
8. Hash It Out
Meaning: Discuss a difficult issue openly until the people involved reach some kind of resolution.
Best for: Serious disagreements, negotiations, and complicated issues.
Tone: Informal.
Example:
“We need to hash it out before the meeting with the client.”
Because “hash it out” is informal, it usually doesn’t belong in a highly formal business email.
9. Sit Down and Discuss It
Meaning: Have a focused conversation about an important subject.
Best for: Serious personal matters, workplace issues, and important decisions.
Tone: Neutral.
Example:
“Let’s sit down and discuss it when we both have some time.”
The phrase creates a sense of giving the conversation proper attention.
10. Have a Chat
Meaning: Talk casually with someone about something.
Best for: Friends, coworkers, family, and informal situations.
Tone: Casual and friendly.
Example:
“Do you have a few minutes to have a chat about the project?”
For a relaxed conversation, this often sounds more natural than “talk things over.”
11. Have a Discussion
Meaning: Talk about a particular subject in a more organized or deliberate way.
Best for: Work, school, meetings, and serious conversations.
Tone: Neutral or professional.
Example:
“We should have a discussion about the changes before they take effect.”
This phrase is broader than “talk things over” and doesn’t necessarily imply that you’re trying to solve a problem.
12. Talk About It
Meaning: Discuss a subject, experience, problem, or feeling.
Best for: Everyday conversations and personal situations.
Tone: Casual and neutral.
Example:
“If something is bothering you, we can talk about it.”
It’s simple, natural, and often the best choice when you don’t need a more specific expression.
13. Discuss Your Options
Meaning: Talk about the different choices available before making a decision.
Best for: Work, business, education, financial decisions, and planning.
Tone: Professional or neutral.
Example:
“Let’s discuss your options before you choose a course of action.”
This is more specific than “talk things over” because the conversation centers on possible choices.
14. Compare Notes
Meaning: Share information, observations, or opinions with another person to see what each of you knows or thinks.
Best for: Work, research, school, and situations involving shared information.
Tone: Neutral and conversational.
Example:
“Let’s compare notes after the interviews and see what we learned.”
The phrase doesn’t necessarily mean solving a disagreement. Instead, it emphasizes exchanging information.
15. Consult With Each Other
Meaning: Talk together before making a decision or taking action.
Best for: Professional, organizational, and formal situations.
Tone: Professional.
Example:
“The two departments will consult with each other before announcing the changes.”
This option works particularly well when people need to consider each other’s input.
16. Confer
Meaning: Discuss something with another person or group, especially before making a decision.
Best for: Formal, professional, academic, or official contexts.
Tone: Formal.
Example:
“The managers will confer before deciding how to proceed.”
“Confer” is more formal than “talk things over,” so it isn’t the best choice for every everyday conversation.
17. Deliberate
Meaning: Discuss something carefully and consider different options before reaching a decision.
Best for: Important decisions, committees, organizations, and formal discussions.
Tone: Formal.
Example:
“The committee will deliberate before announcing its decision.”
This word implies careful consideration rather than casual conversation.
18. Exchange Views
Meaning: Share opinions or perspectives about a subject.
Best for: Professional, academic, political, and formal discussions.
Tone: Formal or professional.
Example:
“The two teams met to exchange views on the proposed changes.”
Unlike “work it out,” this phrase doesn’t necessarily suggest that participants will reach an agreement.
19. Share Your Thoughts
Meaning: Tell someone what you think or feel about something.
Best for: Personal conversations, feedback, meetings, and collaborative work.
Tone: Friendly or professional.
Example:
“I’d like to share my thoughts before we finalize the plan.”
This is useful when the goal is to contribute an opinion rather than solve a conflict.
20. Discuss Your Concerns
Meaning: Talk about worries, objections, or problems that need attention.
Best for: Workplace conversations, relationships, customer service, and serious discussions.
Tone: Neutral or professional.
Example:
“I’m happy to meet and discuss your concerns.”
This phrase immediately tells the other person what the conversation is about.
21. Clear the Air
Meaning: Talk openly about a disagreement or uncomfortable situation to remove tension or misunderstanding.
Best for: Personal relationships, workplace conflicts, and misunderstandings.
Tone: Conversational.
Example:
“I think we should meet and clear the air.”
This isn’t a general synonym for every use of “talk things over.” It specifically fits situations where tension or misunderstanding exists.
22. Reach an Understanding
Meaning: Talk until everyone has a clearer understanding of each other’s position or situation.
Best for: Disagreements, negotiations, relationships, and professional discussions.
Tone: Neutral or formal.
Example:
“Hopefully, we can talk and reach an understanding.”
The goal here is mutual understanding rather than necessarily complete agreement.
23. Find Common Ground
Meaning: Identify areas where people with different opinions can agree.
Best for: Disagreements, negotiations, teamwork, and difficult discussions.
Tone: Neutral or professional.
Example:
“We may disagree on some details, but let’s find common ground.”
This expression is especially useful when two sides have different views but still need to move forward.
24. Come to an Agreement
Meaning: Discuss an issue until everyone involved accepts a particular decision or arrangement.
Best for: Negotiations, contracts, business, relationships, and disagreements.
Tone: Neutral or professional.
Example:
“After several meetings, both sides came to an agreement.”
The phrase focuses on the result of the discussion rather than the conversation itself.
25. Work Through the Issue
Meaning: Discuss and deal with a problem carefully until you understand or resolve it.
Best for: Workplace problems, relationships, disagreements, and complicated situations.
Tone: Neutral.
Example:
“We need some time to work through the issue before making a decision.”
This expression suggests that the problem may require patience and several steps.
26. Sort Things Out
Meaning: Discuss or deal with a problem until it becomes clear or gets resolved.
Best for: Everyday disagreements, misunderstandings, and practical problems.
Tone: Casual or neutral.
Example:
“Let’s talk tomorrow and sort things out.”
It sounds natural in everyday American English, although it is less formal than “resolve the matter.”
27. Talk Over the Details
Meaning: Discuss specific information or parts of a plan carefully.
Best for: Projects, arrangements, schedules, business plans, and decisions.
Tone: Neutral or professional.
Example:
“Let’s talk over the details before we send the proposal.”
This works particularly well when the conversation involves reviewing specific points rather than discussing a broad disagreement.
Professional Alternatives to “Talk Things Over”
If you’re writing an email, scheduling a meeting, or speaking with a client, you may want something more precise than talk things over.
The strongest choices depend on the purpose of the conversation:
- Discuss the matter for a specific business issue.
- Have a discussion for a planned workplace conversation.
- Discuss your options when someone needs to make a decision.
- Consult with each other when people need to consider one another’s input.
- Confer for a formal discussion before a decision.
- Exchange views when people are sharing different perspectives.
- Discuss your concerns when addressing a problem or objection.
- Talk over the details when reviewing a plan.
- Have an introductory discussion when people are beginning to explore an issue.
For example, instead of writing:
“Can we talk things over tomorrow?”
a professional email could say:
“Could we meet tomorrow to discuss the matter?”
Likewise, if you’re discussing a decision, this sounds more specific:
“I’d like to meet so we can discuss your options.”
The more clearly you describe the purpose, the more useful the message becomes.
Formal Alternatives to “Talk Things Over”
A formal way to say talk things over should match the seriousness of the situation.
Consider these options:
Confer works when people need to discuss something before deciding what to do.
“The directors will confer before approving the proposal.”
Deliberate fits careful decision making.
“The committee will deliberate before reaching its conclusion.”
Exchange views emphasizes the sharing of perspectives.
“The representatives met to exchange views on the proposal.”
Discuss the matter is a straightforward formal alternative.
“We should meet to discuss the matter further.”
Reach an understanding works when the purpose is to resolve differences.
“Both parties hope to reach an understanding.”
These expressions sound more formal because they identify the type or purpose of the discussion instead of relying on the conversational phrase “talk things over.”
Casual Ways to Say “Talk Things Over”
In a conversation with friends, family, or close coworkers, you can keep the wording simple.
Natural choices include:
- Talk about it
- Have a chat
- Talk it through
- Talk it out
- Work it out
- Sort things out
- Hash it out
- Sit down and talk
- Go over it
For example:
“Let’s sit down and talk about it.”
Or:
“We can talk it through tonight.”
If the situation involves an argument, talk it out and sort things out are especially natural.
Alternatives to “Talk Things Over” in a Work Email
The phrase talk things over isn’t wrong in a work email. Still, a more specific expression can make your message sound clearer and more purposeful.
Instead of:
“Can we talk things over sometime this week?”
try:
“Could we meet this week to discuss the project?”
If you’re dealing with a problem:
“Could we schedule a time to discuss the issue?”
When someone needs to make a decision:
“I’d like to meet so we can discuss your options.”
For a disagreement:
“Can we set up a meeting to work through the issue?”
If you simply want someone’s opinion:
“I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss your thoughts on the proposal.”
And when reviewing details:
“Could we meet tomorrow to go over the details?”
These versions give the reader more information, so they can understand the purpose of the meeting immediately.
Talk Things Over vs. Talk It Through
These expressions are very similar, but they’re not always interchangeable.
Talk things over means to discuss a situation or decision with someone. The discussion may be casual or serious.
“Let’s talk things over before we accept the offer.”
Talk it through puts more emphasis on carefully discussing the situation until you understand it or find a way forward.
“Let’s talk it through before we make a decision.”
Therefore, use talk it through when you want to emphasize working through the details or difficulty.
Talk Things Over vs. Talk It Out
Talk it out usually suggests that people are dealing with a disagreement, conflict, or emotional problem.
“We’re upset with each other, but we’ll talk it out.”
Meanwhile, talk things over has a broader meaning:
“Let’s talk things over before we book the trip.”
You can talk things over when you’re simply considering a decision. You don’t have to be in conflict.
Talk Things Over vs. Discuss
Discuss is the simplest formal alternative to talk things over, but the two expressions aren’t identical in tone.
“Talk things over” sounds conversational and often suggests a shared discussion before making a decision.
“Discuss” is broader and works in formal writing:
“We need to discuss the proposal.”
You could also say:
“We need to talk the proposal over.”
However, “discuss the proposal” is usually the cleaner choice in formal business writing.
Talk Things Over vs. Work It Out
The main difference is the intended outcome.
Talk things over means discuss something.
Work it out suggests that you want to find a solution.
Compare these:
“Let’s talk things over before deciding.”
“Let’s work it out so we can move forward.”
The first focuses on discussion. The second focuses on resolution.
Talk Things Over vs. Clear the Air
Clear the air is more specific. It usually means discussing tension, hurt feelings, resentment, or a misunderstanding.
For example:
“We should clear the air after yesterday’s argument.”
By contrast:
“We should talk things over before making a decision.”
The second sentence doesn’t suggest that anyone is upset. It simply suggests discussing the situation.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Start with the purpose of the conversation. That makes choosing the right phrase much easier.
| Phrase | Tone | Best For | Example |
| Discuss it | Neutral | General discussions | “Let’s discuss it tomorrow.” |
| Talk it through | Conversational | Working through an issue | “We can talk it through.” |
| Talk it out | Casual | Resolving disagreements | “Let’s talk it out.” |
| Discuss the matter | Professional | Work and formal settings | “Let’s discuss the matter.” |
| Go over it | Neutral | Reviewing details | “Let’s go over it together.” |
| Work it out | Casual/neutral | Finding solutions | “We’ll work it out.” |
| Hash it out | Casual | Difficult disagreements | “Let’s hash it out.” |
| Have a chat | Casual | Relaxed conversations | “Can we have a chat?” |
| Confer | Formal | Decision making | “The managers will confer.” |
| Deliberate | Formal | Careful decisions | “The committee will deliberate.” |
| Exchange views | Formal | Sharing perspectives | “Let’s exchange views.” |
| Clear the air | Casual/neutral | Tension or conflict | “We should clear the air.” |
| Find common ground | Neutral/formal | Different viewpoints | “Let’s find common ground.” |
| Come to an agreement | Neutral | Reaching a decision | “We came to an agreement.” |
| Sort things out | Casual | Problems and misunderstandings | “Let’s sort things out.” |
Common Questions
What is another way to say “talk things over”?
Common alternatives include discuss it, talk it through, talk it out, have a conversation, have a discussion, go over it, and work it out.
What is a professional way to say “talk things over”?
In a professional setting, try discuss the matter, have a discussion, discuss your options, consult with each other, confer, or talk over the details. The best choice depends on the purpose of the conversation.
What does “talk things over” mean?
“Talk things over” means to discuss a situation, problem, decision, or disagreement with another person, usually before deciding what to do.
Is “talk it through” the same as “talk things over”?
They are very similar. However, talk it through puts more emphasis on carefully working through an issue, while talk things over can simply mean discussing a situation together.
What is a casual way to say “talk things over”?
For casual conversations, you can say have a chat, talk about it, talk it through, talk it out, sort things out, or sit down and talk.
What is a formal way to say “talk things over”?
Depending on the situation, discuss the matter, confer, deliberate, exchange views, or have a discussion can work well in formal communication.
What can I say instead of “talk things over” in an email?
Try a phrase that explains the purpose of the conversation. For example, say “Could we meet to discuss the matter?”, “I’d like to discuss your options,” or “Could we schedule a time to go over the details?”
What is the difference between “talk things over” and “work it out”?
“Talk things over” focuses on discussing something, while “work it out” suggests discussing the problem with the goal of finding a solution.
What is another way to say “talk things over” in a relationship?
Depending on the situation, talk it through, talk it out, clear the air, work through the issue, or have a conversation can sound natural.
Is “hash it out” a formal alternative to “talk things over”?
No. Hash it out is informal. It usually describes openly discussing a difficult disagreement or problem until the people involved reach some kind of resolution.
Final Thoughts
The best other ways to say talk things over depend on what you want the conversation to accomplish.
For a general discussion, use discuss it or have a conversation. If you’re trying to understand or solve a problem, talk it through works well. When two people need to resolve a disagreement, talk it out, work it out, or clear the air may be more precise.
For professional writing, discuss the matter, discuss your options, or talk over the details usually gives the reader more context. Meanwhile, casual phrases such as have a chat and sort things out fit relaxed conversations.
In other words, don’t choose an alternative just because it sounds different. Choose the phrase that tells your reader or listener why you’re having the conversation and what you hope to accomplish.
