Better Way to Say ‘discuss about’ in English
If you have ever written or said “discuss about,” you have made one of the most common plural mistakes in English. The direct answer is simple: do not use “about” after “discuss.” The verb “discuss” already includes the meaning of “talk about.” Saying “discuss about” is grammatically incorrect because “discuss” is a transitive verb that needs a direct object without a preposition. The correct forms are “discuss something” or “discuss + topic.” This guide will show you exactly how to fix this mistake in your writing, emails, and conversations.
Quick Answer
Incorrect: We need to discuss about the budget.
Correct: We need to discuss the budget.
Use “discuss” directly followed by the topic. If you want to use “about,” change the verb to “talk” or “speak.” For example: “We need to talk about the budget.”
Why ‘discuss about’ Is Wrong
The verb “discuss” is transitive. This means it must take a direct object (the thing being discussed) without any preposition. Think of it like the verb “mention.” You would not say “mention about the problem”; you say “mention the problem.” The same rule applies to “discuss.”
Many learners add “about” because in their native language, the equivalent verb often requires a preposition. In English, however, “discuss” already contains the idea of “about.” Adding “about” creates redundancy and a grammatical error.
Comparison Table: Discuss vs. Talk About vs. Speak About
| Verb Phrase | Correct Usage | Example | Tone / Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss | Direct object, no preposition | Let’s discuss the plan. | Formal, professional, academic |
| Talk about | Requires “about” | Let’s talk about the plan. | Informal, conversational |
| Speak about | Requires “about” | Let’s speak about the plan. | Slightly formal, often used in presentations |
| Discuss about | Incorrect | Let’s discuss about the plan. | Avoid completely |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of “discuss” used correctly in different situations:
- Email: “We will discuss the project timeline during tomorrow’s meeting.”
- Conversation: “Can we discuss the restaurant choice later?”
- Academic: “The professor asked us to discuss the main themes of the novel.”
- Business: “Our team needs to discuss the quarterly results.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors learners make with “discuss”:
- Mistake: “I want to discuss about my salary.”
Correction: “I want to discuss my salary.” - Mistake: “They discussed about the new policy.”
Correction: “They discussed the new policy.” - Mistake: “We should discuss about where to go.”
Correction: “We should discuss where to go.” - Mistake: “She discussed about the problem with her manager.”
Correction: “She discussed the problem with her manager.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
If you find yourself wanting to use “discuss about,” here are better alternatives depending on the context:
Use “Discuss” (Formal, Professional, Academic)
Choose “discuss” when you want to sound precise and professional. It is ideal for emails, reports, meetings, and academic writing.
Example: “We need to discuss the contract terms before signing.”
Use “Talk About” (Informal, Everyday Conversation)
Use “talk about” when speaking with friends, family, or in casual settings. It is natural and friendly.
Example: “Let’s talk about your vacation plans.”
Use “Speak About” (Slightly Formal, Presentations)
“Speak about” works well in presentations, speeches, or when you want a more formal tone than “talk about” but less formal than “discuss.”
Example: “The CEO will speak about the company’s future direction.”
Use “Go Over” (Informal, Reviewing Details)
When you mean to review or examine something in detail, “go over” is a good alternative.
Example: “Let’s go over the main points from the report.”
Use “Debate” (When There Are Opposing Views)
If the discussion involves arguments or different opinions, “debate” is more accurate.
Example: “The committee will debate the proposed changes.”
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Understanding tone helps you choose the right word. Here is a quick guide:
- Formal (discuss): “We will discuss the matter at the board meeting.”
- Neutral (speak about): “The trainer will speak about effective communication.”
- Informal (talk about): “Let’s talk about the party this weekend.”
In emails, “discuss” is almost always the best choice because it is direct and professional. In casual conversation, “talk about” sounds more natural.
Email Context: How to Use ‘Discuss’ Correctly
In professional emails, using “discuss” correctly shows good command of English. Here are some email phrases:
- Opening: “I would like to discuss the proposal you sent.”
- Requesting a meeting: “Could we schedule a time to discuss the budget?”
- Following up: “As discussed in our last meeting, we will proceed with the plan.”
- Closing: “I look forward to discussing this further.”
Notice that “as discussed” is a common and correct phrase. Never write “as discussed about.”
Conversation Context: Natural Speech
In spoken English, people often make the “discuss about” mistake because they are thinking in their native language. To sound natural, practice these patterns:
- “We discussed the issue yesterday.”
- “Can we discuss this later?”
- “They are discussing the new rules.”
If you accidentally say “discuss about,” simply correct yourself by saying “I mean, discuss the issue.” Native speakers will appreciate the correction.
Common Nuance: When ‘Discuss’ Feels Too Formal
Sometimes “discuss” can feel too serious for a light topic. For example, “Let’s discuss the movie” sounds a bit formal. In such cases, use “talk about”: “Let’s talk about the movie.” This nuance is important for sounding natural in different situations.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- We need to __________ the new schedule.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) discuss on - Can we __________ the problem tomorrow?
a) talk about
b) discuss about
c) discuss on - She __________ the project with her team.
a) discussed about
b) discussed
c) discussed on - Let’s __________ the weekend plans.
a) discuss about
b) discuss
c) talk about
Answers: 1. b, 2. a, 3. b, 4. c
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “discuss about” ever correct?
No. “Discuss about” is always grammatically incorrect. Use “discuss” alone or change the verb to “talk about” or “speak about.”
2. Can I use “discuss on” or “discuss upon”?
No. “Discuss on” and “discuss upon” are also incorrect. The correct form is “discuss” + direct object. For example, “discuss the topic,” not “discuss on the topic.”
3. What is the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?
“Discuss” is more formal and implies a structured or serious conversation. “Talk about” is informal and used in everyday conversation. Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts.
4. How can I remember not to say “discuss about”?
Think of “discuss” as a verb that already means “talk about.” You would not say “talk about about,” so do not add “about” after “discuss.” Practice by writing sentences without “about” until it becomes automatic.
Final Tip for Better English
Mastering small corrections like this one makes a big difference in your English fluency. If you catch yourself saying “discuss about,” pause and replace it with “discuss” or “talk about.” Over time, the correct form will become natural. For more help with common mistakes, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks and Better English Corrections sections.
If you have questions about this or other corrections, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you improve your English step by step.