Is It Correct to Say ‘discuss about’?

No, it is not correct to say ‘discuss about’. The verb ‘discuss’ is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. The correct structure is ‘discuss something’, not ‘discuss about something’. This is one of the most common preposition errors that English learners make, and it can make your English sound unnatural. The word ‘about’ is already built into the meaning of ‘discuss’, so adding it is redundant.

Quick Answer

Use discuss + object (no preposition). For example: “We need to discuss the project.” Do not say “discuss about the project.” If you want to use ‘about’, use a different verb like ‘talk about’ or ‘have a discussion about’. For example: “We need to talk about the project.”

Why ‘Discuss About’ Is Incorrect

The verb ‘discuss’ comes from Latin ‘discutere’, meaning to shake apart or examine. In English, it has evolved to mean “to talk about something in detail.” The meaning already includes the idea of ‘about’. When you say ‘discuss about’, you are essentially saying “talk about about,” which is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward to native speakers.

Think of it this way: You would not say “enter into” (just “enter”) or “return back” (just “return”). Similarly, ‘discuss’ does not need ‘about’. The direct object follows immediately after the verb.

Formal vs. Informal Context

This error is considered a basic grammar mistake in both formal and informal English. In formal writing, such as academic papers, business reports, or professional emails, using ‘discuss about’ will make you sound less competent. In informal conversation, it also sounds unnatural. Native speakers rarely make this mistake, so avoiding it will help your English sound more natural and fluent.

Comparison Table: ‘Discuss’ vs. ‘Talk About’

Natural Examples

Here are examples of how to use ‘discuss’ correctly in different situations:

In Emails

• Correct: “I would like to discuss the contract terms in our next meeting.”
• Correct: “Please let me know a convenient time to discuss your concerns.”
• Incorrect: “I would like to discuss about the contract terms.”

In Conversation

• Correct: “We discussed the movie after watching it.”
• Correct: “Can we discuss your travel plans later?”
• Incorrect: “We discussed about the movie.”

In Academic Writing

• Correct: “This chapter will discuss the effects of climate change.”
• Correct: “The researchers discussed their findings in detail.”
• Incorrect: “This chapter will discuss about the effects of climate change.”

Common Mistakes

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with ‘discuss’:

• Mistake: “We discussed about the problem.”
  Correction: “We discussed the problem.”
• Mistake: “I need to discuss with you about the schedule.”
  Correction: “I need to discuss the schedule with you.” (Note: ‘with you’ is fine, but ‘about’ is not needed.)
• Mistake: “Let’s discuss about it tomorrow.”
  Correction: “Let’s discuss it tomorrow.”
• Mistake: “They are discussing about the new policy.”
  Correction: “They are discussing the new policy.”

Better Alternatives

If you feel the need to use ‘about’, you can use these alternative verbs and phrases:

• Talk about – More informal. “Let’s talk about your idea.”
• Have a discussion about – Slightly more formal. “We had a discussion about the budget.”
• Speak about – Neutral. “She spoke about her experiences.”
• Converse about – Formal. “They conversed about philosophy.”
• Debate about – Used when there are opposing views. “They debated about the new law.”

Remember: When you use ‘discuss’, do not add ‘about’. When you use ‘talk’, ‘speak’, or ‘converse’, you can add ‘about’. For example: “We talked about the plan” is correct. “We discussed the plan” is also correct. But “We discussed about the plan” is wrong.

When to Use ‘Discuss’

Use ‘discuss’ in these situations:

• Formal meetings and presentations: “We will discuss the quarterly results.”
• Academic writing: “This section discusses the methodology.”
• Professional emails: “I look forward to discussing this opportunity.”
• Any situation where you want to sound precise and professional.

Avoid ‘discuss’ in very casual conversation where ‘talk about’ feels more natural. For example, “Let’s talk about the party” sounds better than “Let’s discuss the party” with friends.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.

1. We need to __________ the new project timeline.
   a) discuss about
   b) discuss
   c) discuss on
   Answer: b) discuss
2. Can we __________ your vacation plans?
   a) talk about
   b) discuss about
   c) discuss on
   Answer: a) talk about
3. The committee __________ the proposal for two hours.
   a) discussed about
   b) discussed
   c) discussed on
   Answer: b) discussed
4. I would like to __________ the issue with you.
   a) discuss about
   b) discuss
   c) discuss on
   Answer: b) discuss

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct?

No, ‘discuss about’ is never grammatically correct in standard English. The verb ‘discuss’ is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition. If you hear someone say it, it is a mistake. Use ‘discuss something’ or ‘talk about something’ instead.

2. What is the difference between ‘discuss’ and ‘talk about’?

‘Discuss’ is more formal and implies a detailed examination of a topic. ‘Talk about’ is more general and can be used in casual conversation. For example, “We discussed the contract terms” sounds professional, while “We talked about the movie” sounds casual. Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts.

3. Can I say ‘discuss with you about’?

No. The correct structure is ‘discuss something with someone’. For example: “I need to discuss the schedule with you.” Do not add ‘about’ after ‘discuss’. The word ‘with’ is fine, but ‘about’ is not.

4. What other verbs have similar rules?

Other verbs that do not need a preposition before their object include: ‘enter’ (not ‘enter into’), ‘reach’ (not ‘reach to’), ‘approach’ (not ‘approach to’), ’emphasize’ (not ’emphasize on’), and ‘mention’ (not ‘mention about’). For example: “She entered the room” (not “entered into the room”). “He emphasized the point” (not “emphasized on the point”).

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