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 that English learners make. The direct answer is simple: “discuss” does not need “about.” You discuss something, not about something. The word “discuss” already includes the idea of talking about a topic, so adding “about” is grammatically incorrect. This guide will explain why this mistake happens, show you how to fix it, and give you practical examples for conversations, emails, and everyday use.
Quick Answer: What Is the Correct Form?
Use “discuss” + direct object (no preposition).
- Correct: We need to discuss the budget.
- Incorrect: We need to discuss about the budget.
If you want to use “about,” you must change the verb to “talk” or “have a discussion.”
- Correct: We need to talk about the budget.
- Correct: We need to have a discussion about the budget.
Why Do Learners Say ‘Discuss About’?
The mistake often comes from direct translation. In many languages, the equivalent verb for “discuss” is followed by a preposition that means “about.” For example, in Spanish (discutir sobre), French (discuter de), and Italian (discutere di), the structure includes a preposition. When learners transfer this pattern into English, they naturally say “discuss about.” However, English does not work this way. “Discuss” is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition.
Comparison Table: ‘Discuss’ vs. ‘Talk About’ vs. ‘Discuss About’
| Phrase | Correct? | Example | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss something | Yes | Let’s discuss the plan. | Formal and informal |
| Talk about something | Yes | Let’s talk about the plan. | More casual |
| Have a discussion about | Yes | We had a discussion about the plan. | Slightly formal |
| Discuss about something | No | We discussed about the plan. | Avoid in all contexts |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers use “discuss” in real conversations and writing.
In Casual Conversation
- “We discussed the movie for hours.”
- “Can we discuss our weekend plans?”
- “They discussed the problem but didn’t find a solution.”
In Emails and Professional Writing
- “Please review the attached report before we discuss it in the meeting.”
- “I would like to discuss the project timeline with you.”
- “The team discussed the client’s feedback during the call.”
In Academic or Formal Contexts
- “The panel will discuss the implications of the new policy.”
- “Scholars have discussed this theory for decades.”
- “We need to discuss the findings in detail.”
Common Mistakes
Below are typical errors learners make, along with the correct versions.
- Incorrect: We discussed about the new rules.
Correct: We discussed the new rules. - Incorrect: She wants to discuss about her career.
Correct: She wants to discuss her career. - Incorrect: They discussed about the weather.
Correct: They discussed the weather. - Incorrect: Let’s not discuss about this again.
Correct: Let’s not discuss this again.
Better Alternatives
If you are unsure whether to use “discuss,” you can always replace it with a phrase that naturally uses “about.” This is especially helpful in spoken English where you want to avoid hesitation.
- Talk about – Best for casual conversations. Example: “Let’s talk about your trip.”
- Have a conversation about – Neutral and clear. Example: “We had a conversation about the schedule.”
- Go over – Informal, means to review. Example: “Let’s go over the main points.”
- Debate – Used when there are opposing views. Example: “They debated the issue for an hour.”
- Address – Formal, often used in meetings. Example: “We need to address the budget concerns.”
When to Use ‘Discuss’ vs. ‘Talk About’
Choosing between “discuss” and “talk about” depends on tone and context.
- Discuss sounds more formal and focused. Use it in professional emails, academic writing, or serious conversations. Example: “We will discuss the contract terms tomorrow.”
- Talk about is more casual and friendly. Use it with friends, family, or in relaxed settings. Example: “We talked about our favorite books.”
In everyday conversation, both are correct, but “talk about” is more common. In writing, “discuss” often feels more precise.
Nuance: Formal vs. Informal Tone
Understanding the nuance between these verbs helps you sound natural.
- Discuss implies a structured exchange of ideas. It suggests that the conversation has a purpose or goal. Example: “The committee will discuss the proposal.”
- Talk about is broader and can include casual chatting. Example: “We talked about our weekend.”
- Have a discussion about is slightly more formal than “talk about” but less formal than “discuss.” Example: “We had a discussion about the new policy.”
In emails, “discuss” is often used in phrases like “I look forward to discussing this with you.” This is standard and polite. Avoid writing “I look forward to discuss about this with you,” which is a common error.
Mini Practice: Test Yourself
Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- We need to _______ the schedule for next week.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - She wants to _______ her travel plans.
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) discuss on - They _______ the issue for two hours.
a) discussed about
b) discussed
c) discussed on - Let’s _______ the new project in the meeting.
a) have a discussion about
b) discuss about
c) talk about
Answers:
- b) discuss
- a) talk about (or “discuss” would also work)
- b) discussed
- a) have a discussion about (or “discuss” or “talk about”)
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘Discuss About’
1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct in English?
No. “Discuss about” is always incorrect. The verb “discuss” is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition. If you want to use “about,” choose “talk about” or “have a discussion about.”
2. Can I use ‘discuss on’ or ‘discuss over’?
No. “Discuss on” and “discuss over” are also incorrect. You might hear “discuss over coffee,” but that is a different structure where “over coffee” describes the setting, not the object. The correct form is still “discuss the matter over coffee,” not “discuss over the matter.”
3. What is the difference between ‘discuss’ and ‘argue’?
“Discuss” implies a calm exchange of ideas, while “argue” suggests disagreement or conflict. Example: “We discussed the plan calmly” vs. “They argued about the plan.” Both are followed by a direct object: “discuss the plan” and “argue the point” (though “argue about” is also common).
4. How can I remember not to say ‘discuss about’?
Think of “discuss” as similar to “mention” or “describe.” You would not say “mention about” or “describe about.” The same logic applies. Another trick: replace “discuss” with “talk about” in your mind. If you would say “talk about,” then use “discuss” without “about.”
Final Tip for Learners
To master this rule, practice by writing sentences with “discuss” every day. For example, write three sentences about your work or studies using “discuss” correctly. Read them aloud. Over time, the correct structure will feel natural. If you catch yourself saying “discuss about,” stop and rephrase. With consistent practice, this common speaking mistake will disappear from your English.
For more help with similar verb errors, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you need guidance on professional writing, visit Email Phrase Corrections. For everyday conversation tips, check Speaking Mistake Fixes and Better English Corrections. You can also read our FAQ for quick answers to common questions.
