No, it is not correct to say “discuss about.” The verb discuss is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. The correct structure is simply “discuss + [something].” Adding “about” after “discuss” is a common grammatical error that makes the phrase redundant. You discuss a topic, an issue, a plan, or a report—you do not discuss about it. This guide will explain why this mistake happens, show you how to use “discuss” correctly, and give you natural alternatives for different contexts.
Quick Answer
No. Never say “discuss about.” Use discuss + direct object (e.g., “discuss the project”). If you want to use “about,” use a different verb like talk about, speak about, or have a discussion about.
Why “Discuss About” Is Incorrect
The word “discuss” already contains the idea of talking about something. Adding “about” creates a double preposition, which is grammatically unnecessary. Think of it like saying “enter into” when you mean “enter a room”—the extra word adds nothing and sounds awkward to native speakers.
Here is a simple rule: Discuss = talk about. Because “discuss” already means “talk about,” you do not need to add “about” again. Compare these sentences:
- Incorrect: We need to discuss about the budget.
- Correct: We need to discuss the budget.
- Also correct: We need to talk about the budget.
This error is very common among English learners because many languages use a preposition after the equivalent of “discuss.” For example, in Spanish, you say “discutir sobre” (discuss about), and in French, “discuter de” (discuss of). Learners naturally transfer this pattern into English, but it does not work here.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
The word “discuss” itself is neutral but tends to be more common in formal and professional settings. In casual conversation, native speakers often prefer “talk about” or “chat about.” However, even in informal speech, “discuss about” is always wrong.
| Context | Correct Example | Incorrect Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal email | We will discuss the proposal at the meeting. | We will discuss about the proposal at the meeting. |
| Informal conversation | Let’s talk about the weekend plans. | Let’s discuss about the weekend plans. |
| Business report | The committee will discuss the findings. | The committee will discuss about the findings. |
| Casual chat | We talked about the movie last night. | We discussed about the movie last night. |
Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Talk About vs. Discuss About
| Phrase | Correct? | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| discuss | Yes | Formal / Neutral | Let’s discuss the schedule. |
| talk about | Yes | Informal / Neutral | Let’s talk about the schedule. |
| discuss about | No | — | Let’s discuss about the schedule. (Wrong) |
| have a discussion about | Yes | Formal | We had a discussion about the schedule. |
| speak about | Yes | Formal | The CEO spoke about the new policy. |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how “discuss” is used correctly in real workplace and everyday situations:
Workplace Emails
- Correct: “I would like to discuss the marketing strategy with you.”
- Correct: “Please review the document before we discuss it in the meeting.”
- Incorrect: “I would like to discuss about the marketing strategy.”
Meetings and Conversations
- Correct: “We need to discuss the deadline extension.”
- Correct: “Let’s discuss how to improve customer service.”
- Incorrect: “We need to discuss about the deadline extension.”
Everyday Life
- Correct: “My friends and I discussed the movie for an hour.”
- Correct: “We should discuss where to go for dinner.”
- Incorrect: “My friends and I discussed about the movie.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss,” along with corrections:
| Common Mistake | Correction | Why It’s Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| We discussed about the problem. | We discussed the problem. | “Discuss” already means “talk about.” |
| Let’s discuss about the new project. | Let’s discuss the new project. | No preposition needed after “discuss.” |
| I want to discuss about my salary. | I want to discuss my salary. | Direct object follows “discuss.” |
| They discussed about the issue. | They discussed the issue. | Redundant preposition. |
Better Alternatives
If you feel the need to use “about,” choose one of these correct alternatives instead of “discuss about”:
- Talk about – Best for casual and informal situations. Example: “Let’s talk about the weekend.”
- Speak about – Slightly more formal. Example: “The manager spoke about the new policy.”
- Have a discussion about – Formal and clear. Example: “We had a discussion about the budget.”
- Confer about – Very formal, often used in business. Example: “The team conferred about the next steps.”
- Debate about – Used when there are opposing views. Example: “They debated about the best approach.” (Note: “debate” can take “about” or “on,” but “discuss” cannot.)
When to Use “Discuss” vs. “Talk About”
Choose discuss when you want to sound professional, serious, or when the topic requires careful examination. Use talk about for everyday, casual conversations. In writing, “discuss” is more common in reports, emails, and academic work. In speech, “talk about” feels more natural among friends or colleagues in informal settings.
For example:
- In a board meeting: “We will discuss the quarterly results.” (Formal, appropriate)
- At lunch with coworkers: “Let’s talk about the game last night.” (Informal, natural)
- In a job interview: “I would like to discuss my experience with project management.” (Professional)
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- We need to _______ the new policy before the meeting.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on
Answer: b) discuss - My boss and I _______ the deadline yesterday.
a) discussed about
b) discussed
c) discussed on
Answer: b) discussed - Let’s _______ the plan for the event.
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) both a and b
Answer: a) talk about (or “discuss” – but not “discuss about”) - They _______ the issue for two hours.
a) discussed about
b) had a discussion about
c) discussed
Answer: b) had a discussion about (or c) discussed – but not a)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “discuss about” ever correct in English?
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 a preposition.
2. Can I use “discuss on” or “discuss over”?
No. “Discuss” does not take “on” or “over” either. You can say “discuss something over lunch” (meaning during lunch), but that is different. The object of “discuss” is the topic, not the time or place.
3. What is the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?
“Discuss” is more formal and implies a detailed examination of a topic. “Talk about” is more general and casual. Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts. “Discuss” is better for business and academic settings.
4. How can I remember not to say “discuss about”?
Think of “discuss” as meaning “talk about.” Since “about” is already inside the meaning, you do not need to add it. A simple memory trick: “Discuss” = “cut” (from Latin discutere, meaning to shake apart). You do not “cut about” something—you just cut it. Similarly, you just discuss it.
Final Tip for Workplace English
In professional emails and meetings, using “discuss” correctly shows that you have a strong command of English. Avoid the common trap of adding “about.” If you catch yourself writing “discuss about,” simply delete “about” and you will have a correct sentence. For more help with workplace grammar, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks category, or check out our FAQ for answers to common questions. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us.
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