When I teach English to students and learners, I often notice how quickly a small phrase confusion like discuss about can turn into a bigger linguistic error that affects clarity, correctness, and smooth communication. Is It Correct to Say “Discuss About”? This simple question helps learners understand that discuss already implies “talking about,” so adding “about” is redundant and disrupts the structure of speech or writing.
From my own experiences helping people improve communication skills, I’ve seen that a strong grasp of English makes them confident, fluent, natural, and polished. Whether exploring subjects like education, health, technology, lifestyle, or career opportunities, proper usage of language can affect how your main point is received, and a single mistake can distract or create errors in interpretation.
In today’s digital world, platforms like social media, threads, online forums, and academic spaces encourage sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and engaging in meaningful discussions, so your ability to express yourself clearly is essential. I often guide professionals in different fields, from business strategies to marketing ideas and innovations, that precise communication aids decision-making, problem-solving, and builds strong communities.
When individuals participate in debates on trending topics, explore personal growth, or discuss mental health, fitness, and finance, understanding the proper use of “discuss” strengthens open dialogue, diversity, and perspectives, reduces isolation, and helps create practical solutions that improve everyday lives. Using correct language shows mastery, highlights important skills, and ensures your conversations truly matter.
What “Discuss” Means in English Grammar
You can’t master this rule without understanding exactly how discuss works in English. At its core, “discuss” is a transitive verb, which means it must carry a direct object.
Here’s what that means in simple language.
When you discuss something, you talk about it by examining it from different angles. The verb already contains the idea of “talking about,” so adding the word about becomes unnecessary.
Simple Definition
Discuss → to talk about something in detail.
Examples
- Correct: We discussed the proposal.
- Incorrect: We discussed about the proposal.
The incorrect version adds an unnecessary preposition. It’s like adding training wheels after you already know how to ride the bike.
Why This Matters
Students write it in essays. Professionals write it in emails. Teachers see it in homework. When you use “discuss” correctly, your writing sounds polished and confident.
How Transitive Verbs Work (Without the Complicated Grammar Jargon)
To really understand why “discuss about” doesn’t work, you need to understand transitive verbs. Luckily, this concept is easier than it sounds.
A transitive verb needs something to act on. That thing is the direct object.
Everyday Examples
- She baked a cake.
- They watched a movie.
- He fixed the computer.
You can’t say:
- She baked.
- They watched.
- He fixed.
These feel incomplete because the verb needs an object.
Apply This to “Discuss”
- We discussed the plan.
- We discussed.
- We discussed about the plan. (extra word that doesn’t belong)
Quick Reference Tble
| Verb (Transitive) | Correct Structure | Incorrect Structure |
| discuss | discuss the topic | discuss about the topic |
| examine | examine the case | examine about the case |
| review | review the report | review about the report |
| address | address the issue | address about the issue |
This table makes it obvious—adding about creates a grammatical glitch.
Why “Discuss About” Is Incorrect (The Clear Explanation)
The mistake usually happens because learners compare discuss with similar verbs that do need a preposition. For example:
- talk about
- think about
- argue about
These verbs require about because they’re intransitive or operate differently in sentence structure.
But discuss is different.
It already includes the meaning of “talk about,” so adding about is doubling the idea.
Think of It Like This
Saying “discuss about” is like saying:
- Repeat again
- ATM machine
- PIN number
Why This Mistake Shows Up Everywhere
Several reasons:
- Everyday conversations tend to be relaxed.
- Many English learners translate from their native languages.
- Workplace jargon often adds unnecessary words (corporate emails love filler phrases).
- People confuse “discuss” with “talk about.”
Understanding the difference solves the problem permanently.
Common Mistakes with “Discuss” in Sentences
Here are the errors people make most often:
Frequent Errors
- Discuss about the issue
- Discuss on the matter
- Discuss regarding the policy
- Discuss over the topic
- Discuss about on the point (double error)
Correct Forms
- Discuss the issue
- Discuss the matter
- Discuss the policy
- Discuss the topic
Why These Errors Matter
When writing to a professor, employer, or client:
- Grammar mistakes reduce credibility.
- They make your writing seem less polished.
- They distract the reader.
In short, the sentence loses authority.
Where “Discuss” Comes From (Short Etymology Lesson)
Understanding the word’s history helps you remember the correct structure.
Origin
“Discuss” comes from Latin discutere, meaning:
- to examine
- to investigate
- to shake apart
This meaning did not include a preposition.
As English evolved, the word shifted to mean:
- to talk about something in detail
The structure stayed the same:
verb + direct object
No extra word needed.
Historical Usage Examples
Writers in early American literature used “discuss” the same way we use it today.
- “The committee will discuss the amendments.”
- “We must discuss our findings before publishing.”
The rule has remained consistent over centuries.
When “About” Is Correct in Other Situations
To avoid confusion, here’s when about belongs in a sentence.
Use “About” With These Verbs
- talk about
- think about
- argue about
- speak about
- write about
Verb Comparison Table
| Verb | Needs “About”? | Example |
| discuss | No | They discussed the budget. |
| talk | Yes | They talked about the budget. |
| speak | Sometimes | She spoke about her concerns. |
| think | Yes | I’m thinking about the idea. |
| argue | Yes | They argued about the cost. |
Easy Rule to Remember
If the verb expresses thinking, speaking, arguing, or reflecting, you often need about.
If the verb expresses examining or analyzing, you probably don’t.
Correct Examples of Using “Discuss”
Here are clear examples for every context.
Academic Writing
- The study discusses the effects of climate change on coastal cities.
- The professor asked us to discuss the chapter during class.
Professional Context
- Let’s discuss the timeline during tomorrow’s meeting.
- The team discussed new software options.
Everyday Conversation
- We discussed our weekend plans.
- They discussed where to go for dinner.
Classroom Use
- Students will discuss the main themes in the book.
- Teachers often encourage students to discuss ideas openly.
Strong Alternatives to “Discuss” (When You Want Variety)
Sometimes you need a different verb to better express tone, purpose, or depth.
Here are strong alternatives grouped by context.
Academic Alternatives
- examine
- analyze
- review
- evaluate
Professional Alternatives
- address
- go over
- consider
- assess
Casual Alternatives
- talk about
- chat about
- go through
Synonym Table
| Synonym | Best Use Case | Example |
| examine | academic, analytical | The paper examines social inequality. |
| review | workplace, school | Let’s review the budget proposal. |
| address | professional tone | We need to address system errors. |
| talk about | casual, everyday | Let’s talk about your idea. |
Choosing the right synonym helps your writing sound more natural and precise.
Better Alternatives to “Discuss About”
If you feel tempted to write “discuss about,” you can choose one of these correct structures instead.
Use These Correct Phrases
- Talk about
- Have a discussion about
- Speak about
- Go over
Examples
- Let’s talk about the issue.
- We had a discussion about the project.
- The speaker talked about climate solutions.
These versions are perfect when you want a more relaxed tone while staying grammatically correct.
Real-World Examples: Fixing Common Mistakes
Here are corrected sentences that show the difference clearly.
Incorrect vs Correct Table
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
| We will discuss about your progress. | We will discuss your progress. |
| They discussed regarding the plan. | They discussed the plan. |
| Let’s discuss over the issue. | Let’s discuss the issue. |
| The manager discussed about the budget. | The manager discussed the budget. |
Practice Section
Try fixing these:
- She wants to discuss about her grade.
- We should discuss regarding the policies.
- They will discuss on the assignment.
- She wants to discuss her grade.
- We should discuss the policies.
- They will discuss the assignment.
How Misusing “Discuss” Affects Academic and Professional Credibility
Grammar mistakes might feel small, but they often create problems in high-stakes settings.
In the Workplace
- Emails appear unpolished.
- Reports lose clarity.
- Presentations feel less professional.
Employers notice incorrect grammar—they associate it with attention to detail.
In Academic Settings
- Professors mark off for errors.
- Essays sound less convincing.
- Research papers appear less credible.
In Everyday Communication
Even in casual settings, precise language helps you sound confident and prepared.
Quick Reference Guide (Cheat Sheet)
Do Not Say
- “discuss about”
- “discuss on”
- “discuss regarding”
Correct Structure
discuss + direct object
Fast Decision Checklist
- Does the verb already include the meaning of “talk about”? → No preposition
- Am I analyzing, examining, or addressing something? → Use discuss
- Do I want a casual tone? → Use talk about
Conclusion
Using discuss correctly is essential for clear and effective communication. Adding about to it is redundant and can create linguistic errors, distract listeners or readers, and affect the clarity of your speech or writing. Whether you are students, learners, or professionals, mastering the proper use of “discuss” strengthens your confidence, fluency, and polished communication skills.
Correct usage supports decision-making, problem-solving, and meaningful conversations, helping you express ideas naturally across digital platforms, academic spaces, or professional fields. Remember, understanding this simple rule ensures your main point comes across clearly and shows a strong grasp of English.
FAQs
Q1: Is it correct to say “discuss about” in English?
A1: No, “discuss” already means “talking about,” so adding about is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Q2: Can native speakers use “discuss about”?
A2: Even native speakers sometimes make this mistake, but it’s considered incorrect in formal speech or writing.
Q3: How can I remember the correct usage?
A3: Think of discuss as a complete verb that implies the topic, so you don’t need about.
Q4: Does using “discuss about” affect communication?
A4: Yes, it can distract listeners or readers and reduce the clarity of your message.
Q5: What are examples of proper usage?
A5: Correct: “We discuss the project details.” Incorrect: “We discuss about the project details.”
