If you have ever said or written “discuss about,” you have made one of the most common speaking mistakes in workplace English. The direct answer is simple: “discuss” does not need “about.” You discuss something, not discuss about something. The word “discuss” already contains the meaning of talking about a topic in detail, so adding “about” is grammatically redundant. In professional emails, meetings, and everyday conversation, using “discuss about” marks you as a non-native speaker and can make your English sound unnatural. This guide will explain why this mistake happens, how to fix it, and give you practical examples you can use immediately.
Quick Answer: Why ‘Discuss About’ Is Wrong
Use “discuss” + direct object. For example: “We need to discuss the budget.” Do not say “discuss about the budget.” The word “about” is already built into the meaning of “discuss.” If you want to use “about,” you must use a different verb, such as “talk about” or “have a discussion about.”
The Grammar Rule Explained Simply
The verb “discuss” is a transitive verb. This means it must take a direct object without a preposition. Think of it like the verb “mention.” You say “mention the problem,” not “mention about the problem.” The same logic applies to “discuss.”
Many learners add “about” because in their native language, the equivalent verb often requires a preposition. For example, in Spanish, you say “discutir sobre” (discuss about). In French, “discuter de” (discuss of). In Japanese, the particle “ni tsuite” (about) is used. This is a classic case of first-language interference. The good news is that once you learn this rule, it is easy to remember and apply.
Formal vs. Informal Context
In formal workplace English, using “discuss about” is considered a grammatical error. In informal conversation, some native speakers might occasionally say it, but it is still widely considered incorrect. To be safe, always use “discuss” without “about” in both writing and speaking. If you want a more casual tone, use “talk about” instead.
Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Talk About
| Verb Phrase | Correct Usage | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss | Discuss + direct object (no preposition) | Formal / Neutral | Let’s discuss the proposal. |
| Talk about | Talk + about + object | Informal / Neutral | Let’s talk about the proposal. |
| Have a discussion about | Have a discussion + about + object | Formal | We had a discussion about the timeline. |
| Discuss about | Incorrect | Avoid | We discussed about the issue. (Wrong) |
Natural Examples for Workplace English
Here are examples you can use in emails, meetings, and conversations.
In Meetings
- Correct: “We need to discuss the quarterly results.”
- Correct: “Let’s discuss the client’s feedback.”
- Incorrect: “We need to discuss about the quarterly results.”
In Emails
- Correct: “I would like to discuss the project timeline with you.”
- Correct: “Please review the document, and we can discuss it tomorrow.”
- Incorrect: “I would like to discuss about the project timeline.”
In Everyday Conversation
- Correct: “We discussed the movie after it ended.”
- Correct: “Can we discuss the plan over lunch?”
- Incorrect: “We discussed about the movie.”
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss.”
Mistake 1: Adding ‘About’
Incorrect: “The team discussed about the new policy.”
Correct: “The team discussed the new policy.”
Mistake 2: Adding ‘On’
Incorrect: “We need to discuss on the budget.”
Correct: “We need to discuss the budget.”
Mistake 3: Adding ‘Regarding’
Incorrect: “Let’s discuss regarding the schedule.”
Correct: “Let’s discuss the schedule.”
Mistake 4: Using ‘Discuss’ with ‘About’ in Questions
Incorrect: “What did you discuss about?”
Correct: “What did you discuss?”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
If you find yourself wanting to use “about,” here are better options.
Option 1: Use ‘Talk About’
Use this in casual conversation or informal emails. Example: “We talked about the new software.”
Option 2: Use ‘Have a Discussion About’
Use this in formal settings when you want to emphasize the process of discussing. Example: “We had a productive discussion about the marketing strategy.”
Option 3: Use ‘Go Over’
Use this when you want to review details. Example: “Let’s go over the main points.”
Option 4: Use ‘Debate’ or ‘Consider’
Use these when the discussion involves different opinions or careful thought. Example: “We need to consider all options.”
Mini Practice: 4 Questions with Answers
Test yourself with these exercises. Choose the correct option.
Question 1: Which sentence is correct?
A) We discussed about the new policy.
B) We discussed the new policy.
C) We discussed on the new policy.
Answer: B) We discussed the new policy.
Question 2: Fill in the blank: “Let’s __________ the budget for next quarter.”
A) discuss about
B) discuss
C) discuss on
Answer: B) discuss
Question 3: Which is a correct alternative to “discuss about”?
A) Talk about
B) Discuss on
C) Discuss regarding
Answer: A) Talk about
Question 4: Correct the mistake: “The manager wants to discuss about the deadline.”
Answer: “The manager wants to discuss the deadline.”
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘Discuss About’
1. Is ‘discuss about’ ever correct?
No. In standard English, “discuss about” is always grammatically incorrect. The verb “discuss” already includes the meaning of “about.” If you hear a native speaker say it, it is likely a slip or informal speech, but it is not correct in professional or academic English.
2. Can I use ‘discuss’ with other prepositions?
Yes, but only in specific contexts. For example, “discuss with” is correct: “I discussed the issue with my team.” You can also say “discuss among yourselves.” But never use “discuss about,” “discuss on,” or “discuss regarding.”
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 with a friend, but you “discuss” a business strategy in a meeting.
4. How can I remember not to say ‘discuss about’?
Think of the word “discuss” as a complete package. It means “to talk about in detail.” If you add “about,” you are repeating the same idea. A simple trick: after “discuss,” ask yourself “what?” not “about what?” For example, “What did you discuss?” not “What did you discuss about?”
Final Tips for Workplace English
To sound more professional and natural in your English, practice these corrections daily. When you write an email or prepare for a meeting, check your use of “discuss.” If you catch yourself adding “about,” remove it immediately. Over time, this will become automatic. Remember, small grammar fixes like this one make a big difference in how others perceive your English skills.
For more help with similar grammar issues, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you need help with email phrases, visit Email Phrase Corrections. For more speaking fixes like this one, check our Speaking Mistake Fixes category. And for broader corrections, see Better English Corrections. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page.
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