what are you talking about vs about what are you talking

The phrase 'What are you talking about?' is the correct and commonly used form in English. The second phrase 'About what are you talking?' is not incorrect grammatically, but it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The first phrase is more natural and easier to understand.

Last updated: March 05, 2025 • 2816 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"what are you talking about"

This phrase is a common way to ask someone to clarify or explain what they are discussing.

Examples:

What are you talking about? I don't understand.
I have no idea what you are talking about.
Can you please tell me what you are talking about?
What are you talking about when you mention that?
I'm confused. What are you talking about?

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 26, 2017 ... And I know I can just remove "the hell" and go for "what are you talking about?", but it's too simple compared to what I initially wanted to ...

This phrase is grammatically correct but not commonly used in English.

"about what are you talking"

While this phrase is grammatically correct, it is less common and may sound awkward in everyday conversation. It can be used for emphasis or in formal contexts.

Show examples from the web [+]

Where are you? is correct because at isn't needed. What are you talking about? is perfectly acceptable. I've never heard or read “About what are you talking?”.
Oct 1, 2014 ... Why is the question 'About what are you talking?' incorrect? and. Is The question "To whom are you talking" correct? I know the question 'what ...
Aug 12, 2014 ... Would you tell me about more about if I can use the phrase OF WHICH? 3 · 'what are you talking about?' and 'About what are you talking?'.
Aug 28, 2014 ... It just feels awkward to say, “about what are you talking?” rather than “what are you talking about?” Always Use Pronoun-Subject Agreement

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what are you talking about vs about what are you talking