Is It Correct to Say ‘Discuss About’?
No, it is not correct to say “discuss about.” The verb discuss is transitive, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. Saying “discuss about” is a common grammar error. The correct phrasing is simply “discuss” followed directly by the topic. For example, you should say “We need to discuss the project,” not “We need to discuss about the project.”
Quick Answer
Use discuss + direct object (no preposition).
- Correct: Let’s discuss the plan.
- Incorrect: Let’s discuss about the plan.
If you want to use the word “about,” choose a different verb like talk, speak, or read.
- Correct: Let’s talk about the plan.
- Correct: Let’s speak about the plan.
Why “Discuss About” Is a Mistake
The verb discuss comes from Latin, where it already includes the idea of “talking thoroughly about” something. Adding “about” is redundant. Think of it like the verb enter—you do not say “enter into the room” (though that is sometimes used in specific contexts). Similarly, you do not say “discuss about” because the meaning of “about” is already inside the verb.
This error is very common among English learners because many other verbs do require “about.” For example:
- We talked about the issue.
- We spoke about the issue.
- We read about the issue.
But with discuss, the preposition is not needed.
Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Other Verbs
| Verb | Correct Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Discuss | discuss + [topic] | We discussed the budget. |
| Talk | talk about + [topic] | We talked about the budget. |
| Speak | speak about + [topic] | We spoke about the budget. |
| Read | read about + [topic] | I read about the budget. |
| Write | write about + [topic] | She wrote about the budget. |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers use discuss correctly in different situations.
In Conversation
- “Let’s discuss the schedule for next week.”
- “They discussed the movie for hours.”
- “Can we discuss this later? I’m busy right now.”
In Email
- “I would like to discuss the proposal at our meeting.”
- “Please let me know a convenient time to discuss the contract.”
- “We discussed the matter internally and have a few questions.”
In Formal Writing
- “The report discusses the impact of climate change on agriculture.”
- “This chapter will discuss the key findings of the study.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with discuss.
- Mistake: “We discussed about the problem.”
Correction: “We discussed the problem.” - Mistake: “I need to discuss with you about the project.”
Correction: “I need to discuss the project with you.” (Note: “with you” is fine, but “about” is not.) - Mistake: “They discussed about the new policy.”
Correction: “They discussed the new policy.”
Better Alternatives
If you feel the need to use “about,” choose a different verb. Here are some natural alternatives.
- Talk about – Use in casual conversation. “Let’s talk about your vacation.”
- Speak about – Slightly more formal. “The professor spoke about the history of the language.”
- Read about – Use when referring to written information. “I read about the accident in the news.”
- Write about – Use when creating content. “She wrote about her experiences in the blog.”
- Comment on – Use when giving an opinion. “The CEO commented on the quarterly results.”
When to Use “Discuss”
Use discuss in both formal and informal settings. It is a neutral verb that works well in emails, meetings, academic writing, and everyday conversation. The key is to remember that it does not need a preposition.
- Formal: “The committee will discuss the proposal tomorrow.”
- Informal: “Let’s discuss what to do this weekend.”
There is no difference in tone between “discuss” and “talk about” in terms of formality—both can be used in most situations. However, “discuss” often sounds slightly more deliberate or serious, while “talk about” can feel more casual.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- We need to discuss / discuss about the new rules.
- She discussed / discussed about the issue with her manager.
- Let’s talk about / discuss about the plan.
- They discussed / discussed about the results of the survey.
Answers:
- discuss
- discussed
- talk about (or “discuss” without “about”)
- discussed
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “discuss about” ever correct?
No, “discuss about” is never grammatically correct in standard English. Some people may use it in very informal speech, but it is considered an error. Always use “discuss” without “about.”
2. Can I say “discuss with you about”?
No. You can say “discuss with you” (e.g., “I will discuss this with you later”), but do not add “about.” The correct structure is “discuss [something] with [someone].”
3. What is the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?
Both mean to exchange ideas or information. “Discuss” is slightly more formal and often implies a more structured or serious conversation. “Talk about” is more general and can be used in any context. The main grammatical difference is that “discuss” does not take a preposition, while “talk about” does.
4. Is “discuss” a transitive verb?
Yes, discuss is a transitive verb, which means it must be followed by a direct object. You cannot say “Let’s discuss” without specifying what you want to discuss. For example, “Let’s discuss the plan” is correct, but “Let’s discuss” alone is incomplete (unless the context is very clear).
Final Tip
If you ever feel unsure, replace “discuss about” with “talk about” or simply remove “about.” With practice, the correct pattern will become automatic. Remember: discuss + topic (no preposition).
For more help with common grammar errors, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions about other phrases, feel free to contact us.
