If you have ever written or said “discuss about,” you are not alone. This is one of the most common errors that workplace English speakers make. The direct answer is simple: do not use “about” after “discuss.” The verb “discuss” is transitive, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. The correct forms are “discuss something” or “discuss + topic.” For example, you should say “We need to discuss the budget,” not “We need to discuss about the budget.” This guide will explain why this mistake happens, give you natural alternatives, and help you use “discuss” correctly in emails, meetings, and everyday conversation.
Quick Answer: What Is the Correct Way?
Use “discuss” + direct object (no preposition).
- Correct: Let’s discuss the project timeline.
- Incorrect: Let’s discuss about the project timeline.
If you want to use a preposition, choose a different verb such as “talk about,” “speak about,” or “have a discussion about.”
Why Do People Say “Discuss About”?
This error usually comes from direct translation from other languages. In many languages, the equivalent verb for “discuss” is followed by a preposition. For example, in Spanish (discutir sobre), French (discuter de), and Italian (discutere di), a preposition is required. When English learners translate word-for-word, they carry that pattern into English. However, English does not follow this rule for “discuss.”
Another reason is confusion with similar verbs. “Talk about,” “speak about,” and “think about” all use prepositions. Since “discuss” has a similar meaning, it is easy to assume it follows the same pattern. But “discuss” is different.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
“Discuss” itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the phrase “discuss about” is always incorrect, regardless of tone. If you want to sound more formal, use “discuss” alone. If you want to sound more casual, you can replace it with “talk about” or “chat about.”
| Context | Correct Example | Incorrect Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal email | We will discuss the proposal tomorrow. | We will discuss about the proposal tomorrow. |
| Casual conversation | Let’s talk about the weekend plans. | Let’s discuss about the weekend plans. |
| Meeting | I would like to discuss the sales figures. | I would like to discuss about the sales figures. |
| Writing a report | The report discusses customer feedback. | The report discusses about customer feedback. |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers use “discuss” correctly in different situations.
In Workplace Emails
- Please review the attached file before we discuss the changes.
- I would like to discuss your career development plan.
- We can discuss the details during our next call.
In Meetings
- Let’s discuss the quarterly results now.
- We need to discuss the client’s concerns.
- I suggest we discuss this matter privately.
In Everyday Conversation
- My friends and I discussed the movie for hours.
- Can we discuss where to go for dinner?
- They discussed the news over coffee.
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss” and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Adding “About”
- Incorrect: We discussed about the new policy.
- Correct: We discussed the new policy.
Mistake 2: Adding “On” or “Regarding”
- Incorrect: Let’s discuss on the budget.
- Correct: Let’s discuss the budget.
Mistake 3: Using “Discuss” with “Together” Redundantly
- Incorrect: We will discuss together about the issue.
- Correct: We will discuss the issue together. (Or simply: We will discuss the issue.)
Mistake 4: Confusing “Discuss” with “Talk About”
- Incorrect: I want to discuss about your performance.
- Correct: I want to talk about your performance. (Or: I want to discuss your performance.)
Better Alternatives to “Discuss About”
If you feel unsure about using “discuss” alone, you can always use a different verb that naturally takes a preposition. Here are the best alternatives.
| Alternative Phrase | Example | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Talk about | Let’s talk about the schedule. | Casual conversation, informal emails |
| Speak about | She spoke about her experience. | Slightly more formal than “talk about” |
| Have a discussion about | We had a discussion about the budget. | Formal writing, meeting minutes |
| Go over | Let’s go over the main points. | Reviewing details, informal |
| Debate | They debated the pros and cons. | When there are opposing views |
When to Use “Discuss” vs. “Talk About”
Both “discuss” and “talk about” are correct, but they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the nuance will help you choose the right word.
- Discuss implies a more serious, structured, or detailed conversation. It is often used in professional or academic settings. Example: “We need to discuss the contract terms.”
- Talk about is more general and casual. It can be used for any topic, from serious to lighthearted. Example: “We talked about our weekend.”
In short, use “discuss” when you want to sound more formal or when the conversation has a clear purpose. Use “talk about” for everyday, less structured conversations.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
1. We need to ________ the new software update.
A) discuss about
B) discuss
C) discuss on
2. Can we ________ the agenda before the meeting?
A) talk about
B) discuss about
C) discuss on
3. The manager wants to ________ the team’s performance.
A) discuss about
B) have a discussion about
C) discuss on
4. They ________ the project for two hours yesterday.
A) discussed about
B) discussed
C) discussed on
Answers:
1. B) discuss
2. A) talk about (or “discuss” is also correct, but “talk about” is natural here)
3. B) have a discussion about (or “discuss” alone)
4. B) discussed
FAQ: Common Questions About “Discuss About”
1. Is “discuss about” ever correct in English?
No. “Discuss about” is always grammatically incorrect. The verb “discuss” does not require a preposition. If you hear someone say it, it is a mistake. Use “discuss” alone or choose a different verb like “talk about.”
2. Can I use “discuss” in formal writing?
Yes. “Discuss” is perfectly appropriate for formal writing, including business reports, academic papers, and official emails. Just remember not to add “about.” For example: “This section will discuss the methodology.”
3. What is the difference between “discuss” and “argue”?
“Discuss” means to talk about something in a calm, detailed way, often to share ideas or reach a conclusion. “Argue” means to disagree or debate, often with strong emotions. Example: “We discussed the plan calmly” vs. “They argued about the budget.”
4. How can I remember not to say “discuss about”?
Think of “discuss” as a verb that already includes the idea of “about.” When you say “discuss,” you are already talking about a topic. A simple trick: if you feel the urge to add “about,” replace “discuss” with “talk about” instead. For example, instead of “discuss about the report,” say “talk about the report.”
Final Tip for Workplace English
In professional settings, using correct grammar builds credibility. The “discuss about” error is noticeable to native speakers and can make your English sound less polished. By removing the unnecessary preposition, you will sound more natural and confident. Practice by writing a few sentences with “discuss” today. For more help with common grammar issues, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have questions about email phrases, check our Email Phrase Corrections page. For speaking tips, see Speaking Mistake Fixes. And for more corrections like this one, explore Better English Corrections. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.
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