Better Way to Say ‘discuss about’ in English
If you have ever written or said “discuss about,” you are not alone. This is one of the most common mistakes English learners make. The direct answer is simple: the word “about” is not needed after “discuss.” The verb “discuss” already includes the idea of talking about something. The correct form is “discuss something,” not “discuss about something.” For example, you should say “We need to discuss the plan,” not “We need to discuss about the plan.” This guide will explain why this error happens, show you natural alternatives, and help you use “discuss” correctly in writing, email, and conversation.
Quick Answer: Use ‘discuss’ without ‘about’
The verb “discuss” is transitive, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. You discuss something. You do not discuss about something. Here is the rule in a nutshell:
- Correct: Let’s discuss the budget.
- Incorrect: Let’s discuss about the budget.
- Correct: They discussed the issue for hours.
- Incorrect: They discussed about the issue for hours.
If you feel the need to use “about,” choose a different verb such as “talk about,” “speak about,” or “have a discussion about.”
Why ‘discuss about’ is a mistake
Many learners add “about” because they are thinking of similar verbs that do require a preposition. For example:
- Talk about something
- Speak about something
- Think about something
Because these common verbs use “about,” it feels natural to add it after “discuss.” However, “discuss” is different. It is a transitive verb that directly takes the object. Think of it like the verb “mention.” You mention something, not “mention about something.” The same logic applies to “discuss.”
Comparison table: ‘discuss’ vs. similar verbs
| Verb | Correct structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| discuss | discuss + object (no preposition) | We discussed the proposal. |
| talk | talk + about + object | We talked about the proposal. |
| speak | speak + about + object | They spoke about the changes. |
| have a discussion | have a discussion + about + object | We had a discussion about the project. |
| debate | debate + object (no preposition) | The team debated the policy. |
Natural examples in different contexts
Seeing “discuss” used correctly in real situations will help you remember the pattern. Below are examples for email, conversation, and formal writing.
Email examples
- Formal: “I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the quarterly results.”
- Semi-formal: “Let’s discuss the timeline for the new project during our call tomorrow.”
- Informal: “Can we discuss the party plans over lunch?”
Conversation examples
- Workplace: “We need to discuss the client’s feedback before the deadline.”
- Everyday: “My friends and I discussed the movie for an hour after it ended.”
- Academic: “The professor discussed the theory in detail during the lecture.”
Formal writing examples
- “The report discusses the impact of climate change on coastal cities.”
- “This chapter will discuss the key findings of the study.”
Common mistakes to avoid
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss,” along with corrections.
Mistake 1: Adding ‘about’
Incorrect: “They discussed about the new policy.”
Correct: “They discussed the new policy.”
Mistake 2: Adding ‘on’
Some learners also add “on” by analogy with “comment on” or “elaborate on.”
Incorrect: “She discussed on the topic.”
Correct: “She discussed the topic.”
Mistake 3: Using ‘discuss’ with ‘together’ unnecessarily
“Discuss” already implies more than one person. Saying “discuss together” is redundant.
Redundant: “Let’s discuss together the plan.”
Better: “Let’s discuss the plan.”
Mistake 4: Confusing ‘discuss’ with ‘discussion’
The noun “discussion” does take “about.” This is a common source of confusion.
Correct noun form: “We had a discussion about the budget.”
Correct verb form: “We discussed the budget.”
Better alternatives to ‘discuss about’
If you catch yourself wanting to say “discuss about,” here are better alternatives depending on the tone and context.
When to use ‘talk about’
“Talk about” is more casual and conversational. Use it in everyday speech or informal emails.
- “Let’s talk about the weekend plans.”
- “We talked about the new restaurant.”
When to use ‘speak about’
“Speak about” is slightly more formal than “talk about” and is common in presentations or formal discussions.
- “The CEO will speak about the company’s vision.”
- “She spoke about her experience in the industry.”
When to use ‘have a discussion about’
This phrase is useful when you want to emphasize the process of discussing. It works well in both formal and semi-formal contexts.
- “We had a productive discussion about the marketing strategy.”
- “Let’s have a discussion about the next steps.”
When to use ‘debate’
Use “debate” when there are opposing viewpoints or when the discussion is more formal and argumentative.
- “The committee debated the proposed changes.”
- “They debated the merits of the new system.”
When to use ‘go over’
“Go over” is an informal phrasal verb that means to review or discuss details. It is common in workplace settings.
- “Let’s go over the agenda before the meeting.”
- “I want to go over the main points again.”
Mini practice: Test yourself
Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- We need to __________ the budget for next year.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - They had a long __________ the project timeline.
a) discuss about
b) discussion about
c) discussion - Can we __________ the details later?
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) discuss on - The article __________ the effects of social media on teenagers.
a) discusses about
b) discusses
c) discusses on
Answers:
- b) discuss
- b) discussion about
- a) talk about (or “discuss” without “about”)
- b) discusses
FAQ: Common questions about ‘discuss about’
1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct in English?
No, “discuss about” is not grammatically correct in standard English. The verb “discuss” does not require a preposition. However, the noun “discussion” does take “about,” as in “a discussion about the topic.”
2. What is the difference between ‘discuss’ and ‘talk about’?
“Discuss” is more formal and implies a focused exchange of ideas. “Talk about” is more general and casual. For example, you might “talk about” your weekend, but you would “discuss” a business strategy.
3. Can I use ‘discuss’ in informal conversation?
Yes, “discuss” is perfectly fine in informal conversation, though “talk about” is more common. For example, “Let’s discuss where to eat tonight” is natural and correct.
4. Why do so many English learners say ‘discuss about’?
This error happens because many verbs that are similar in meaning, such as “talk about,” “speak about,” and “think about,” use the preposition “about.” Learners transfer this pattern to “discuss” without realizing it is a transitive verb that does not need a preposition.
Final tips for using ‘discuss’ correctly
To make this correction stick, try these simple strategies:
- Memorize the pattern: “discuss + object” (no preposition).
- When you write or speak, pause after “discuss” and add the topic directly.
- If you feel the urge to add “about,” switch to “talk about” or “have a discussion about.”
- Practice with common phrases: “discuss the issue,” “discuss the plan,” “discuss the results.”
Mastering this small but important correction will make your English sound more natural and accurate. For more help with common grammar issues, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions about this or other corrections, feel free to contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides. For more tips on improving your English, explore our Better English Corrections category. And if you are unsure about any rule, check our FAQ for quick answers.