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. Saying “discuss about” is a common grammar error that many English learners make. The correct form is simply discuss + [topic]. For example, you should say “We need to discuss the budget,” not “We need to discuss about the budget.” This guide explains why this mistake happens, how to fix it, and what to say instead in different situations.
Quick Answer: Why ‘Discuss About’ Is Wrong
The verb discuss already includes the idea of “talking about” something. Adding the preposition “about” is redundant. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t say “enter into the room” because “enter” already means “go into.” Similarly, “discuss” already means “talk about.” So, “discuss about” is like saying “talk about about.”
- Correct: Let’s discuss the project.
- Incorrect: Let’s discuss about the project.
- Correct: They discussed the new policy.
- Incorrect: They discussed about the new policy.
Why This Mistake Happens
This error is very common because many other verbs do require “about” after them. For example:
- We talked about the issue.
- We spoke about the changes.
- We chatted about the weekend.
Because “talk about,” “speak about,” and “chat about” are all correct, learners often apply the same pattern to “discuss.” However, “discuss” is different. It is a transitive verb that needs a direct object immediately after it, with no preposition in between.
Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Similar Verbs
| Verb | Correct Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Discuss | discuss + [object] | We discussed the report. |
| Talk | talk about + [object] | We talked about the report. |
| Speak | speak about + [object] | We spoke about the report. |
| Debate | debate + [object] | We debated the proposal. |
| Consider | consider + [object] | We considered the options. |
Notice that “debate” and “consider” also do not take “about.” They follow the same rule as “discuss.”
Formal and Informal Contexts
The rule for “discuss” applies in both formal and informal English. Whether you are writing a business email or having a casual conversation, you should never use “discuss about.”
Formal (Emails, Reports, Meetings)
In professional writing, using “discuss” correctly shows that you have a strong command of English. It sounds more precise and direct.
- Correct (formal): We will discuss the quarterly results during the meeting.
- Incorrect (formal): We will discuss about the quarterly results during the meeting.
Informal (Conversations, Texts)
Even in casual speech, “discuss about” sounds unnatural to native speakers. Stick with the correct form.
- Correct (informal): Let’s discuss what to do this weekend.
- Incorrect (informal): Let’s discuss about what to do this weekend.
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how “discuss” is used naturally in different situations.
In a Business Email
Dear Team,
I would like to discuss the new timeline for the marketing campaign. Please let me know your availability for a short call.
In a Classroom
The teacher asked the students to discuss the main themes of the novel in small groups.
In a Casual Conversation
We sat down to discuss our travel plans for the summer.
In a News Report
Leaders from both countries will discuss trade agreements at the summit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss,” along with the corrections.
- Mistake: We need to discuss about the problem.
Correction: We need to discuss the problem. - Mistake: They discussed about the movie for hours.
Correction: They discussed the movie for hours. - Mistake: Can we discuss about this later?
Correction: Can we discuss this later? - Mistake: She discussed about her trip to Japan.
Correction: She discussed her trip to Japan.
Better Alternatives to ‘Discuss About’
If you are tempted to say “discuss about,” here are some better alternatives that are grammatically correct and natural.
Use ‘Talk About’
If you feel the need to use “about,” switch to the verb “talk.” This is a common and natural alternative.
- Instead of: Let’s discuss about the plan.
Say: Let’s talk about the plan.
Use ‘Speak About’
For more formal situations, “speak about” works well.
- Instead of: The manager discussed about the new rules.
Say: The manager spoke about the new rules.
Use ‘Go Over’
This is a good phrasal verb for reviewing details.
- Instead of: We need to discuss about the agenda.
Say: We need to go over the agenda.
Use ‘Cover’
This is useful in meetings or presentations.
- Instead of: The presentation will discuss about the budget.
Say: The presentation will cover the budget.
When to Use ‘Discuss’ Correctly
Use “discuss” when you want to talk about a topic in detail, especially in a formal or structured way. It is perfect for meetings, academic settings, and professional emails. Remember, it is always followed directly by the topic.
- Discuss the issue – Use this when addressing a specific problem.
- Discuss the proposal – Use this when evaluating a suggestion.
- Discuss the findings – Use this when reviewing research or data.
- Discuss the next steps – Use this when planning future actions.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
Question 1
We need to ________ the new policy before the meeting.
A) discuss about
B) discuss
Answer: B) discuss
Question 2
They ________ the movie for over an hour.
A) discussed about
B) discussed
Answer: B) discussed
Question 3
Can we ________ the schedule tomorrow?
A) talk about
B) discuss about
Answer: A) talk about (or “discuss” without “about”)
Question 4
The committee will ________ the budget proposal.
A) discuss about
B) discuss
Answer: B) discuss
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct in English?
No, “discuss about” is never grammatically correct. The verb “discuss” is transitive and does not require a preposition. If you see it in writing, it is likely a mistake or non-native usage.
2. What is the difference between ‘discuss’ and ‘talk about’?
“Discuss” is more formal and implies a detailed or structured conversation. “Talk about” is more general and can be used in casual or formal settings. Both are correct, but they follow different grammar rules: “discuss” takes a direct object, while “talk” requires “about.”
3. Can I use ‘discuss’ in an email?
Yes, “discuss” is very common in emails, especially in professional contexts. For example: “I would like to discuss the project timeline.” Just remember not to add “about.”
4. What should I do if I hear someone say ‘discuss about’?
You can politely correct them if appropriate, or simply use the correct form in your own speech. Many learners make this mistake, so it is helpful to gently point it out when teaching or practicing English.
Final Tip
To remember this rule, think of the word “discuss” as already containing the meaning of “about.” When you say “discuss,” you are already saying “talk about.” So, adding “about” is like adding extra weight that the verb does not need. Practice using “discuss” without “about” in your daily conversations and writing, and it will soon become automatic.
For more help with common verb mistakes, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. You can also check our FAQ for answers to other common questions. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.
