Better Way to Say ‘discuss about’ in English
If you have ever written or said “discuss about,” you have made a very common error. The direct answer is simple: do not use “about” after “discuss.” The verb “discuss” is transitive, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. The correct form is “discuss something,” not “discuss about something.” This guide explains why this mistake happens, gives you better alternatives, and helps you use the correct structure in writing, email, and conversation.
Quick Answer
Use “discuss” + direct object (e.g., “discuss the plan,” “discuss the issue”). Never say “discuss about.” If you feel the need for a preposition, use “talk about” or “have a discussion about” instead. For formal writing, stick with “discuss” alone.
Why ‘discuss about’ Is Wrong
The verb “discuss” already includes the idea of talking about something in detail. Adding “about” is redundant. Think of it like saying “enter into” when you mean “enter” — the extra word is unnecessary. This is a grammar accuracy issue that many learners face because their native language might use a preposition with a similar verb. In English, “discuss” is always followed directly by the topic.
Formal vs. Informal Context
In formal writing, such as business reports, academic papers, or professional emails, using “discuss about” will look like a mistake. In informal conversation, some native speakers might say “discuss about” in very casual speech, but it is still considered non-standard. For safe, correct English, always drop the “about.”
Comparison Table: ‘discuss’ vs. ‘talk about’ vs. ‘discuss about’
| Phrase | Correct? | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| discuss the issue | Yes | Formal, neutral, all contexts | We need to discuss the issue. |
| talk about the issue | Yes | Informal, conversation | Let’s talk about the issue. |
| discuss about the issue | No | Avoid in all contexts | We need to discuss about the issue. (incorrect) |
| have a discussion about | Yes | Formal or neutral | We had a discussion about the budget. |
Natural Examples
Here are correct examples you can use in real situations.
In Conversation
- “Let’s discuss the schedule for next week.”
- “We discussed the movie after watching it.”
- “Can we discuss your travel plans?”
In Email
- “I would like to discuss the proposal in our meeting.”
- “Please let me know a convenient time to discuss the contract.”
- “We discussed the feedback during the call.”
In Formal Writing
- “The committee will discuss the new policy tomorrow.”
- “This chapter discusses the causes of climate change.”
- “The report discusses several key findings.”
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors. Compare the wrong and right versions.
- Wrong: “We discussed about the problem.” Right: “We discussed the problem.”
- Wrong: “They are discussing about the project.” Right: “They are discussing the project.”
- Wrong: “I want to discuss about your idea.” Right: “I want to discuss your idea.”
- Wrong: “She discussed about the results.” Right: “She discussed the results.”
Better Alternatives
If you are unsure whether to use “discuss,” here are safe alternatives for different situations.
When to Use ‘discuss’
Use “discuss” when you want a formal or neutral tone. It is perfect for meetings, emails, academic writing, and professional settings. Example: “We will discuss the agenda at the start.”
When to Use ‘talk about’
Use “talk about” in casual conversation or when you want a friendlier tone. Example: “Let’s talk about your weekend.”
When to Use ‘have a discussion about’
Use “have a discussion about” when you want to emphasize the process of discussing, often in formal contexts. Example: “We had a productive discussion about the new strategy.”
When to Use ‘confer about’ or ‘debate’
For very formal or specific contexts, “confer about” works for official consultations, and “debate” is for arguments or structured disagreements. Example: “The lawyers conferred about the case.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- We need to __________ the budget next week.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - They __________ the new policy in the meeting.
a) discussed about
b) discussed
c) discussed on - Can we __________ your vacation plans?
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) both a and b - The professor __________ the theory in detail.
a) discussed about
b) discussed
c) discussed on
Answers
- b) discuss
- b) discussed
- a) talk about (only “talk about” is correct here; “discuss about” is wrong)
- b) discussed
FAQ
1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct?
No, “discuss about” is never grammatically correct in standard English. Some native speakers might use it in very casual speech, but it is considered an error. Always use “discuss” without a preposition.
2. Can I use ‘discuss on’ or ‘discuss over’?
No. “Discuss on” and “discuss over” are also incorrect. You can say “discuss something over coffee” (meaning during coffee), but “over” is not attached to “discuss.” The correct structure is “discuss something.”
3. 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 informal. For example, you might “talk about” the weather but “discuss” a business strategy.
4. How do I remember not to say ‘discuss about’?
Think of “discuss” as a verb that already contains the meaning of “talk about.” If you add “about,” you are repeating the idea. A simple trick: after “discuss,” ask yourself “what?” not “about what?”
For more help with common verb mistakes, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions, feel free to contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides. For other corrections, check Better English Corrections. And if you need quick answers, our FAQ page may help.
