Better Way to Say ‘discuss about’ in English
If you have ever written or said “discuss about,” you have made a very common English error. The direct answer is that “discuss about” is grammatically incorrect. The verb “discuss” already contains the meaning of “talk about,” so adding “about” is redundant. The correct and natural phrasing is simply “discuss” + the topic (e.g., “discuss the plan,” “discuss the issue”). This guide will explain why this mistake happens, give you the correct alternatives, and help you use the right phrasing in emails, conversations, and formal writing.
Quick Answer: What to Say Instead of ‘discuss about’
Use “discuss” directly followed by the topic. Do not add “about.” For example:
- ❌ Incorrect: We need to discuss about the budget.
- ✅ Correct: We need to discuss the budget.
If you feel the need to use “about,” choose a different verb such as “talk about,” “speak about,” or “have a discussion about.” These are natural and correct.
Why ‘discuss about’ Is Wrong
The verb “discuss” is transitive. In grammar, a transitive verb needs a direct object without a preposition. “Discuss” means “to talk about something in detail.” The word “about” is already built into the meaning. Adding “about” creates a double preposition, which sounds unnatural to native speakers and is considered a grammatical error.
Think of it this way: You would not say “enter into the room” (just “enter the room”) or “approach to the problem” (just “approach the problem”). “Discuss” works the same way.
Comparison Table: ‘discuss about’ vs. Correct Alternatives
| Incorrect Phrase | Correct Phrase | Context / Tone |
|---|---|---|
| discuss about the project | discuss the project | Formal / Neutral (meetings, emails) |
| discuss about the problem | talk about the problem | Informal (conversations with friends) |
| discuss about the report | have a discussion about the report | Formal / Slightly longer phrase |
| discuss about the idea | speak about the idea | Neutral / Informal |
| discuss about the changes | go over the changes | Informal (team chat, casual talk) |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers naturally use “discuss” and its alternatives in different situations.
Formal / Business Email
- ✅ Let’s discuss the quarterly results in tomorrow’s meeting.
- ✅ I would like to discuss the contract terms with you.
- ✅ We will discuss the proposal during the conference call.
Informal / Conversation
- ✅ Can we talk about the weekend plans?
- ✅ Let’s speak about what happened yesterday.
- ✅ We need to go over the list of guests.
Neutral / Everyday Writing
- ✅ The article discusses the impact of social media.
- ✅ They had a discussion about the new policy.
- ✅ She discussed the issue with her manager.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors. Avoid them by remembering the rule: no “about” after “discuss.”
- ❌ We discussed about the movie last night. → ✅ We discussed the movie last night.
- ❌ The teacher discussed about the exam. → ✅ The teacher discussed the exam.
- ❌ I want to discuss about my career options. → ✅ I want to discuss my career options.
- ❌ They discussed about the weather. → ✅ They talked about the weather. (Or: They discussed the weather.)
Another common mistake is using “discuss” with “on” or “over.” Avoid these as well:
- ❌ Let’s discuss on the matter. → ✅ Let’s discuss the matter.
- ❌ We discussed over the details. → ✅ We discussed the details.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
If you are unsure whether “discuss” is the right word, or if you want to vary your language, use these alternatives. Each has a slightly different tone.
1. “Talk about” – Informal / Neutral
Use this in everyday conversation, with friends, or in casual emails. It is the most common alternative.
Example: “Let’s talk about the party this weekend.”
2. “Speak about” – Neutral / Slightly Formal
Good for presentations, interviews, or when you want to sound a bit more polished than “talk about.”
Example: “The CEO will speak about the company’s vision.”
3. “Have a discussion about” – Formal / Structured
Use this in formal meetings, academic contexts, or when you want to emphasize a structured conversation.
Example: “We need to have a discussion about the new guidelines.”
4. “Go over” – Informal / Practical
Use this when you want to review details or check something step by step.
Example: “Let’s go over the agenda before the meeting.”
5. “Debate” – Formal / Argumentative
Use this when there are opposing views and you are arguing a point.
Example: “The committee will debate the proposed changes.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- We need to __________ the new policy before implementing it.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - Can we __________ the vacation plans later?
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) discuss on - The professor __________ the research findings in detail.
a) discussed about
b) discussed
c) discussed on - Let’s __________ the budget report in the next meeting.
a) have a discussion about
b) discuss about
c) talk about
Answers
- b) discuss – “Discuss” is correct. No preposition needed.
- a) talk about – “Talk about” is natural for informal plans. “Discuss about” is wrong.
- b) discussed – “Discussed” is correct. “Discussed about” is incorrect.
- a) have a discussion about – This is a formal and correct alternative. “Discuss about” is wrong. “Talk about” is also correct but less formal.
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘discuss about’
1. Is “discuss about” ever correct?
No, “discuss about” is never grammatically correct in standard English. Some non-native speakers use it, but it is considered an error. Always use “discuss” without “about.”
2. Can I use “discuss” with other prepositions like “on” or “over”?
No. “Discuss” should not be followed by any preposition. Avoid “discuss on,” “discuss over,” or “discuss regarding.” Simply say “discuss the topic.”
3. What is the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?
“Discuss” is more formal and implies a detailed, structured conversation. “Talk about” is more general and informal. For example, you might “talk about” your weekend, but you would “discuss” a business strategy.
4. How can I remember not to say “discuss about”?
Think of the word “discuss” as already containing the meaning of “talk about.” If you add “about,” you are repeating yourself. A simple memory trick: “Discuss” = “talk about,” so “discuss about” = “talk about about.” That sounds wrong, and it is.
Final Tip for Better English
Mastering small corrections like this one will make your English sound much more natural and professional. Whenever you write or speak, double-check that you are not adding unnecessary prepositions after transitive verbs like “discuss,” “approach,” “enter,” and “reach.” If you want to learn more about fixing common English errors, explore our Better English Corrections section. For other grammar topics, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks page. If you have questions about this guide, feel free to contact us. We also have a detailed FAQ page for common learner questions.
