Common Speaking Mistake: ‘discuss about’ Explained

If you have ever said or written “discuss about,” you are not alone. This is one of the most frequent speaking mistakes English learners make. The direct answer is simple: “discuss” already means “talk about,” so adding “about” is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The correct form is just “discuss something” (e.g., “We discussed the plan”). This guide will explain why this error happens, show you how to fix it, and give you natural alternatives for both speaking and writing.

Quick Answer: Why “Discuss About” Is Wrong

The verb “discuss” is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. You do not need “about” after “discuss” because the meaning of “about” is already inside the verb. Compare it with similar verbs:

• Correct: We discussed the project. (No preposition needed)
• Incorrect: We discussed about the project.
• Correct but different verb: We talked about the project. (“Talk about” is correct because “talk” is intransitive here.)

Think of “discuss” as a complete package: it means “to talk about in detail.” Adding “about” is like saying “talk about about.”

Understanding the Grammar: Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

To avoid this mistake for good, you need to understand the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs.

Transitive Verbs (Like “Discuss”)

Transitive verbs need a direct object to complete their meaning. You cannot just say “I discussed.” You must say “I discussed something.” The object comes directly after the verb, with no preposition.

• We discussed the issue. (Not “discussed about the issue”)
• She discussed the results. (Not “discussed about the results”)
• They discussed the proposal. (Not “discussed about the proposal”)

Intransitive Verbs (Like “Talk”)

Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object. If you want to add information, you need a preposition. That is why “talk about” is correct.

• We talked about the issue. (Preposition needed)
• She talked about the results.
• They talked about the proposal.

Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Talk About

Natural Examples in Context

Here are real-life examples showing how to use “discuss” correctly in different situations.

In Conversation

• “We need to discuss the schedule for next week.” (Not “discuss about the schedule”)
• “Can we discuss your presentation tomorrow?” (Not “discuss about your presentation”)
• “I discussed the problem with my manager.” (Not “discussed about the problem”)

In Email and Formal Writing

• “I would like to discuss the terms of the agreement.” (Not “discuss about the terms”)
• “The committee discussed the findings at length.” (Not “discussed about the findings”)
• “Please let me know when you are available to discuss this matter.” (Not “discuss about this matter”)

In Academic or Professional Context

• “The panel discussed the implications of the new policy.” (Not “discussed about the implications”)
• “We discussed several strategies to improve efficiency.” (Not “discussed about several strategies”)

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss” and the correct versions.

Mistake 1: “Discuss about” in any context

Incorrect: “Let’s discuss about the new project.”
Correct: “Let’s discuss the new project.”

Mistake 2: “Discuss about” with a question word

Incorrect: “We discussed about what to do next.”
Correct: “We discussed what to do next.”

Mistake 3: “Discuss about” in past tense

Incorrect: “They discussed about the meeting yesterday.”
Correct: “They discussed the meeting yesterday.”

Mistake 4: Using “discuss” when you mean “talk about”

Sometimes “discuss” sounds too formal. In casual conversation, “talk about” is often more natural.

Too formal: “Let’s discuss the movie we watched.”
More natural: “Let’s talk about the movie we watched.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

If you are unsure whether to use “discuss” or another phrase, here are some alternatives for different tones and contexts.

Formal Alternatives

• Debate: Use when there are opposing views. “They debated the proposal.” (Not “debated about”)
• Examine: Use for detailed analysis. “The report examines the causes.”
• Consider: Use for thoughtful evaluation. “We considered all options.”

Informal Alternatives

• Talk about: Use in everyday conversation. “We talked about the party.”
• Chat about: Use for casual, light conversation. “We chatted about our weekend.”
• Go over: Use for reviewing details. “Let’s go over the plan.”

When to Use “Discuss”

Use “discuss” in professional emails, meetings, academic writing, and any situation where you want to sound serious and precise. Avoid it in very casual speech with friends, where “talk about” feels more natural.

Mini Practice: Check Your Understanding

Test yourself with these four questions. Choose the correct option.

Question 1

Which sentence is correct?

A) We need to discuss about the budget.
B) We need to discuss the budget.

Answer: B) “We need to discuss the budget.” is correct. “Discuss” does not need “about.”

Question 2

Fill in the blank: “She _______ the issue with her team.”

A) discussed about
B) discussed

Answer: B) “discussed” is correct. The sentence should be “She discussed the issue with her team.”

Question 3

Which sentence is natural for a casual conversation with a friend?

A) Let’s discuss the movie.
B) Let’s talk about the movie.

Answer: B) “Let’s talk about the movie.” is more natural in casual conversation. “Discuss” is a bit formal for friends.

Question 4

Is this sentence correct? “They discussed about the new policy for an hour.”

A) Yes
B) No

Answer: B) No. The correct sentence is “They discussed the new policy for an hour.” Remove “about.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is “discuss about” ever correct in English?

No. “Discuss about” is never grammatically correct in standard English. The verb “discuss” already includes the meaning of “about.” However, you might hear it in informal speech from non-native speakers. In formal writing and professional communication, always use “discuss” without “about.”

2. What is the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?

“Discuss” is more formal and implies a detailed or serious conversation. “Talk about” is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, you might “talk about” a movie with friends, but you would “discuss” a business strategy in a meeting.

3. Can I use “discuss” with other prepositions like “with” or “in”?

Yes. You can use prepositions after “discuss” to add information about the participants or context. For example: “I discussed the plan with my colleague.” or “We discussed the issue in the meeting.” The key is that the direct object (the thing being discussed) comes directly after the verb, without a preposition.

4. How can I remember not to say “discuss about”?

Think of “discuss” as a strong verb that does not need help. A simple trick: if you can replace “discuss about” with “talk about,” then just use “discuss” alone. Practice by writing sentences like “We discussed the topic” and say them out loud until it feels natural.

Final Tip for Speaking and Writing

To master this rule, pay attention to how native speakers use “discuss” in movies, podcasts, and professional settings. You will notice they never say “discuss about.” If you catch yourself about to say it, pause and remove “about.” With consistent practice, the correct form will become automatic. For more help with common speaking errors, explore our Speaking Mistake Fixes section. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for other tricky rules. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.