Common Speaking Mistake: ‘discuss about’ Explained

If you have ever said “Let’s discuss about the project,” you have made a very common speaking mistake. The direct answer is that “discuss about” is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The verb “discuss” already includes the meaning of “talk about,” so adding “about” is redundant. The correct phrase is simply “discuss” followed directly by the subject, for example: “Let’s discuss the project.”

Quick Answer: Is It ‘Discuss’ or ‘Discuss About’?

Use “discuss” without “about.” The word “discuss” is a transitive verb, which means it needs a direct object immediately after it. You discuss something, not about something. This is a fixed rule in standard English grammar, and using “discuss about” is considered a mistake in both formal writing and careful speech.

Why This Mistake Happens

Many English learners make this error because of how other similar verbs work. For example, we say “talk about,” “speak about,” and “think about.” Because “discuss” has a similar meaning to “talk about,” it is very natural to add “about” out of habit. However, “discuss” is different. It is a direct verb that does not need a preposition.

Comparison Table: ‘Discuss’ vs. ‘Discuss About’

Natural Examples

Here are correct examples you can use in everyday conversation, email, and formal settings.

In Conversation (Informal)

• “Let’s discuss the weekend plans.”
• “We discussed the movie for an hour.”
• “Can we discuss this later?”

In Email (Formal / Semi-Formal)

• “I would like to discuss the budget proposal in our next meeting.”
• “Please review the attached document before we discuss it on Friday.”
• “We discussed the client’s feedback and have prepared a response.”

In Academic or Professional Context

• “The panel will discuss the implications of the new policy.”
• “Researchers discussed the findings at the conference.”
• “We need to discuss the terms of the agreement.”

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 want to discuss about my salary.”
  Correction: “I want to discuss my salary.”
• Mistake: “They discussed about the new rules.”
  Correction: “They discussed the new rules.”
• Mistake: “Let’s not discuss about it.”
  Correction: “Let’s not discuss it.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

If you want to use “about” in a sentence, you have two good options. First, you can use the verb “talk” or “speak” instead of “discuss.” Second, you can use the noun form “discussion” with the preposition “about.”

Option 1: Use ‘Talk About’ or ‘Speak About’

• “We talked about the issue.” (Natural and common)
• “Let’s speak about the schedule.” (Slightly more formal)

Option 2: Use ‘Have a Discussion About’

• “We had a discussion about the budget.” (Formal and correct)
• “They are having a discussion about the new policy.”

When to Use ‘Discuss’

Use “discuss” when you want to sound more formal, professional, or direct. It is the best choice for business emails, academic writing, and formal meetings. It is also perfectly fine in casual conversation, though “talk about” is more common in everyday speech.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.

1. We need to __________ the agenda before the meeting.
A. discuss about
B. discuss
C. discuss on

2. They __________ the new project for two hours.
A. discussed about
B. discussed
C. discussed on

3. I would like to __________ your proposal.
A. discuss about
B. discuss
C. have a discussion about

4. Let’s not __________ this again.
A. discuss about
B. discuss
C. discuss on

Answers

1. B – “We need to discuss the agenda before the meeting.”
2. B – “They discussed the new project for two hours.”
3. B or C – “I would like to discuss your proposal” or “I would like to have a discussion about your proposal.” Both are correct.
4. B – “Let’s not discuss this again.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct?

No, “discuss about” is never correct in standard English. The verb “discuss” is transitive and must be followed directly by the object. If you hear someone say it, it is a common speaking mistake. The correct form is always “discuss [something].”

2. What is the difference between ‘discuss’ and ‘talk about’?

“Discuss” is more formal and implies a more detailed or serious conversation. “Talk about” is more general and can be used in casual conversation. For example, you might “talk about” your weekend, but you would “discuss” a business strategy. Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts.

3. Can I use ‘discussion about’?

Yes, “discussion about” is correct because “discussion” is a noun, not a verb. For example: “We had a discussion about the problem.” The noun “discussion” can take the preposition “about,” just like “conversation about” or “talk about.”

4. Is ‘discuss on’ correct?

No, “discuss on” is also incorrect. You do not say “discuss on the topic.” The correct phrase is “discuss the topic.” However, you can say “discuss something on a call” or “discuss something on a platform,” where “on” is part of a different phrase. For example: “We will discuss the report on the call.”

Final Tip for English Learners

The easiest way to remember this rule is to think of “discuss” as a one-word verb that does all the work. You do not need to add “about” because the meaning of “about” is already inside the word “discuss.” If you catch yourself starting to say “discuss about,” stop after “discuss” and add the subject directly. With a little practice, it will become automatic. For more help with common speaking mistakes, explore our Speaking Mistake Fixes section.