Talk to:
* Focuses on the direction of the communication. You are speaking *to* someone else, meaning you are initiating the conversation and directing your words towards them.
* Implies a more formal or one-sided interaction. It's often used in situations where you might be giving instructions or addressing someone in a position of authority.
* Examples:
* "I need to talk to my boss about my raise."
* "The teacher talked to the students about their homework."
Talk with:
* Focuses on the collaborative nature of the conversation. You are engaging in a back-and-forth exchange with someone.
* Implies a more equal or informal interaction. It suggests a shared understanding and mutual communication.
* Examples:
* "I talked with my friends about our plans for the weekend."
* "The students talked with their classmates about the project."
In general:
* "Talk to" is more formal and emphasizes the direction of the communication.
* "Talk with" is more informal and emphasizes the collaborative nature of the communication.
However, the distinction is not always strict. You can use "talk to" even in informal situations, and "talk with" in more formal situations, depending on the context and your intended meaning.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.