difference between 'talk to' and 'talk with'

[anne maria]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #48 "Eating Idioms Test (1)", question 7

The new girl is always sucking up to the boss. Last week, she bought his son a new pair of designer shoes.

(a) suggesting new ideas
(b) trying to gain favor by being really nice
(c) speaking her mind

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #48 "Eating Idioms Test (1)", answer 7

The new girl is always trying to gain favor by being really nice to the boss. Last week, she bought his son a new pair of designer shoes.

Correct answer: (b) trying to gain favor by being really nice

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

Can you tell me about the difference between 'talk to' and 'talk with'?

Thank you vry much
anne maria

[Mister Micawber]

.
Usage varies, but generally 'talk to' indicates the simple action (as opposed to remaining silent), while 'talk with' suggests an extended conversation.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[gerjek]

i'm confused.. which is more appropriate? may i talk to? or may i talk with?
what are the differences? can you please elaborate your explanation? thank you so much..

[Mister Micawber]

.
You can use either.

'talk to' = the simple action (as opposed to remaining silent)
'talk with' = an extended conversation.

I don't know how to make this clearer or more absolute.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[gerjek]

thank you! ^_^

[Alan]

Hi,

As Charles has indicated, 'talk to' has the sense of direct communication person to person whereas 'talk with' indicates more a conversation. The rightness is not really an issue, it is simply a difference in meaning. If you ask: Who is that person talking to Fred? you are more interested in the identity of the person. If you ask: Who is that person talking with Fred? you also want to know the identity but at the same time you are commenting on the fact that Fred is actually having a conversation with anyone at all.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[gerjek]

hello,

how about this. if i say 'may i talk to Ana?', it means a one way conversation will take place.. me talking and Ana listening..
but when i say 'may i talk with Ana?', it means there will be a sharing of opinions between me and Ana.
do you think my interpretations are right?
thanks sir alan!

jessica