Common Speaking Mistake: ‘discuss about’ Explained
If you have ever said or written “discuss about,” you are not alone. This is one of the most frequent speaking mistakes English learners make. The direct answer is simple: “discuss” does not need “about.” You discuss something, not about something. The word “discuss” already includes the idea of talking about a topic. Adding “about” is redundant and grammatically incorrect in standard English. This guide will explain why this error happens, show you how to fix it, and give you natural alternatives for both speaking and writing.
Quick Answer: What Is the Correct Form?
Use “discuss” + direct object (no preposition).
- Correct: We need to discuss the budget.
- Incorrect: We need to discuss about the budget.
If you want to use “about,” switch to a different verb like “talk about,” “speak about,” or “have a discussion about.”
Why Do Learners Say “Discuss About”?
The mistake usually comes from direct translation. In many languages, the equivalent verb for “discuss” is followed by a preposition meaning “about.” For example:
- Spanish: discutir sobre (discuss about)
- French: discuter de (discuss of)
- Portuguese: discutir sobre (discuss about)
When learners transfer this pattern into English, they naturally add “about.” However, English grammar treats “discuss” as a transitive verb that takes a direct object without a preposition.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
The rule applies in all contexts, but the alternatives differ by tone.
- Formal (meetings, academic writing, professional emails): Use “discuss” alone. Example: “We will discuss the proposal at the next meeting.”
- Informal (conversation with friends): You can use “talk about” or “chat about.” Example: “Let’s talk about the movie later.”
In both formal and informal settings, “discuss about” is always wrong. However, in very casual spoken English, some native speakers might say “discuss about” as a slip, but it is still considered a mistake in careful speech and writing.
Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Talk About vs. Speak About
| Verb Phrase | Correct Usage | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss | No preposition needed | We discussed the project. | Formal / Neutral |
| Talk about | Requires “about” | We talked about the project. | Informal / Neutral |
| Speak about | Requires “about” | She spoke about her experience. | Formal / Neutral |
| Have a discussion about | Requires “about” | We had a discussion about the issue. | Formal |
| Discuss about | Incorrect | We discussed about the issue. | Avoid |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how “discuss” is used naturally in different situations.
In Meetings and Work Emails
- Correct: “Let’s discuss the quarterly results.”
- Correct: “I would like to discuss your proposal in detail.”
- Incorrect: “Let’s discuss about the quarterly results.”
In Everyday Conversation
- Correct: “We discussed where to go for dinner.”
- Correct: “They discussed the plan for the weekend.”
- Incorrect: “We discussed about where to go for dinner.”
In Academic or Formal Writing
- Correct: “This paper will discuss the effects of climate change.”
- Correct: “The panel discussed several key issues.”
- Incorrect: “This paper will discuss about the effects of climate change.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss.”
- Mistake 1: “We discussed about the problem.” → Fix: “We discussed the problem.”
- Mistake 2: “I want to discuss about my salary.” → Fix: “I want to discuss my salary.”
- Mistake 3: “They discussed about the movie.” → Fix: “They discussed the movie.”
- Mistake 4: “Can we discuss about this later?” → Fix: “Can we discuss this later?”
Notice that the fix is simply removing “about.” The sentence structure becomes cleaner and more direct.
Better Alternatives: When to Use Them
If you feel unsure about using “discuss” alone, you can always choose a different verb. Here are the best alternatives and when to use them.
“Talk about”
Use this in casual conversation, with friends, or in informal writing. It is the most common alternative.
- “Let’s talk about your vacation.”
- “We talked about the new restaurant.”
“Speak about”
Use this when you want a slightly more formal tone than “talk about,” but still natural.
- “The CEO spoke about the company’s future.”
- “She spoke about her research at the conference.”
“Have a discussion about”
Use this in formal contexts, such as meetings, academic settings, or professional emails. It is a bit longer but very clear.
- “We had a discussion about the new policy.”
- “They had a discussion about the budget.”
“Debate” or “Argue about”
Use these when the discussion involves disagreement or opposing views.
- “They debated the merits of the plan.”
- “They argued about the best approach.”
Nuance: When “Discuss” Feels Too Formal
Some learners avoid “discuss” because it sounds too formal for casual conversation. That is a valid concern. In everyday speech, native speakers often prefer “talk about” or “chat about.” For example:
- Natural: “We talked about the game last night.”
- Stiff: “We discussed the game last night.” (Correct but sounds like a meeting)
However, in professional or academic contexts, “discuss” is the standard and expected word. The key is to match the verb to the situation.
Mini Practice: Check Your Understanding
Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- We need to ______ the new schedule.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - Let’s ______ your trip to Japan.
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) discuss on - The committee will ______ the proposal tomorrow.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - I don’t want to ______ this again.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) talk about
Answers
- b) discuss
- a) talk about
- b) discuss
- c) talk about (or b) discuss – both are correct, but “talk about” is more natural in casual speech)
FAQ: Common Questions About “Discuss About”
1. Is “discuss about” ever correct in English?
No. In standard English, “discuss about” is always incorrect. The verb “discuss” is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition. If you see “discuss about” in informal speech, it is a mistake.
2. Can I use “discuss on” or “discuss regarding”?
No. “Discuss on” and “discuss regarding” are also incorrect. Use “discuss” alone. For example, say “discuss the topic,” not “discuss on the topic” or “discuss regarding the topic.”
3. What is the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?
“Discuss” is more formal and implies a structured or detailed conversation. “Talk about” is more general and informal. Both are correct, but they fit different contexts. Use “discuss” in meetings, academic writing, and professional emails. Use “talk about” in casual conversation.
4. How can I remember not to say “discuss about”?
Think of “discuss” as similar to “mention” or “describe.” You would not say “mention about” or “describe about.” The same logic applies to “discuss.” Another trick: replace “discuss” with “talk about” in your mind. If you would say “talk about,” then use “talk about” instead of “discuss about.”
Final Tip for Real Improvement
To master this rule, practice by writing sentences with “discuss” every day for a week. Write five sentences each day, such as “I need to discuss my schedule with my boss” or “We discussed the movie after watching it.” Read them aloud. After a few days, the correct pattern will feel natural. If you catch yourself saying “discuss about,” stop and rephrase. Over time, this mistake will disappear from your speech and writing.
For more help with common speaking errors, explore our Speaking Mistake Fixes section. You can also check our Grammar Accuracy Checks for similar rules. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us. We are here to help you speak and write with confidence.