Many people ask Is It Correct to Say “Discuss About” in English language use, and the answer is simple but often confusing in real conversations.In daily conversations, many people trip over words when they communicate in English, a language filled with nuances and exceptions that make little sense even to native speakers.
A common stumble involves the phrase discuss about, which you have probably heard someone say or seen in written communications like emails and essays. It may sound fine, but the truth is that it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The word discuss already means to talk about something, so adding “about” is redundant and not needed, making it a subtle but important mistake.
From my own understanding, I used to think this form was informally acceptable, but clear grammar rules show a different answer. The rule is straightforward, even though the English language can feel like a tricky beast where every exception throws learners into disarray. This article aims to shed light on this linguistic faux pas by offering real examples and practical tips you can actually use. For example, saying “discuss our plans” instead of “discuss about” helps keep your communication clear, direct, and more natural. Remember, using the correct form will give you a clearer understanding from start to end of any conversation or written piece, making your English more confident and effective.
Why “Discuss About” Sounds Right (But Isn’t)
Let’s start with something honest.
If you’ve ever said “discuss about,” you’re not alone. It feels right. That’s the tricky part.
Here’s a quick example:
- “We need to discuss about the budget.”
Nothing about that sentence screams “wrong.” It flows. It makes sense.
But here’s the correct version:
- “We need to discuss the budget.”
Shorter. Cleaner. Correct.
So why does the wrong version feel so natural?
Because your brain is following a pattern. English is full of verbs that need “about”:
- Talk about
- Think about
- Worry about
- Learn about
So when you reach for “discuss,” your mind fills in the same structure.
It’s like muscle memory. Except this time, it leads you off track.
The Short Answer: Is “Discuss About” Correct?
Let’s cut straight to it.
- ❌ “Discuss about” is incorrect
- ✅ “Discuss” is correct on its own
Simple Rule
“Discuss” already includes the meaning of “about,” so adding it is unnecessary and incorrect.
Quick Comparison Table
| Incorrect Phrase | Correct Version |
| Discuss about the issue | Discuss the issue |
| Discuss about the plan | Discuss the plan |
| Discuss about the problem | Discuss the problem |
| Discuss about it | Discuss it |
Think of it this way: adding “about” is like saying “return back.” It repeats the same idea.
Why “Discuss” Doesn’t Need “About”
Now let’s dig a little deeper. Not complicated. Just clear.
“Discuss” Is a Transitive Verb
That’s a fancy term. But the idea is simple.
A transitive verb needs a direct object. In other words, something receives the action.
Basic Structure
- Subject + Verb + Object
Example:
- “They discussed the issue.”
Here’s what’s happening:
- Subject: They
- Verb: discussed
- Object: the issue
No preposition needed. The verb connects directly to the object.
What Happens When You Add “About”?
Now watch what happens when you add “about”:
- “They discussed about the issue.”
That extra word breaks the natural structure.
Why?
Because you’re forcing a preposition where one isn’t needed.
Result:
- The sentence becomes grammatically incorrect
- It sounds unnatural to native speakers
- It signals a common learner mistake
Why People Say “Discuss About” Anyway
If it’s wrong, why do so many people use it?
Good question. There are a few real reasons behind it.
Influence of Similar Verbs
This is the biggest culprit.
Look at these:
- Talk about the problem
- Think about the problem
- Complain about the problem
All of them follow the same pattern:
Verb + about + object
So your brain builds a shortcut:
“All communication verbs need ‘about’”
But discuss doesn’t follow that rule.
Translation from Other Languages
Many languages structure sentences differently.
For example:
- Some languages require a preposition after verbs like “discuss”
- Others don’t allow direct object structures like English
So when learners translate directly, they add “about” without realizing it.
Trying to Sound More Formal
This one’s surprisingly common.
People think:
- “Longer sentence = more professional”
So they write:
- “We will discuss about the findings”
Instead of:
- “We will discuss the findings”
Ironically, the shorter version sounds more polished.
Real-Life Examples: Wrong vs Right
Let’s make this practical. These examples come straight from real situations.
Workplace Communication
❌ Incorrect:
- “Let’s discuss about the new strategy.”
- “We need to discuss about deadlines.”
✅ Correct:
- “Let’s discuss the new strategy.”
- “We need to discuss deadlines.”
Academic Writing
❌ Incorrect:
- “This paper discusses about climate change.”
- “The report discusses about economic trends.”
✅ Correct:
- “This paper discusses climate change.”
- “The report discusses economic trends.”
Everyday Conversation
❌ Incorrect:
- “We discussed about it yesterday.”
- “Can we discuss about this later?”
✅ Correct:
- “We discussed it yesterday.”
- “Can we discuss this later?”
When “About” Is Correct
Now here’s where things get interesting.
“About” isn’t the enemy. You just need to use it with the right verbs.
Use “About” with These Verbs
These verbs require “about”:
- Talk about
- Think about
- Argue about
- Learn about
- Complain about
Example Table
| Verb | Correct Usage |
| Talk | Talk about the issue |
| Think | Think about the problem |
| Learn | Learn about history |
| Argue | Argue about politics |
Important Distinction
Compare these two:
- “We talked about the problem.” ✅
- “We discussed the problem.” ✅
Both are correct. Same idea. Different structure.
But:
- “We discussed about the problem.” ❌
That’s where it breaks.
Best Alternatives to “Discuss About”
Sometimes you don’t even need “discuss.”
Switching verbs can make your writing smoother and more natural.
Direct Replacements
- Discuss the topic
- Talk about the topic
- Go over the topic
Formal Alternatives
Use these in reports or essays:
- Analyze
- Examine
- Review
- Evaluate
Example:
- “The report analyzes market trends.”
Casual Alternatives
For everyday speech:
- Chat about
- Go over
- Bring up
Example:
- “Let’s chat about it later.”
Quick Grammar Rule You’ll Never Forget
Here’s a simple trick.
If the verb connects directly to an object, don’t add “about.”
Mini Checklist
Before you write:
- Does the verb already take an object?
- Does the sentence work without “about”?
- Does it sound natural when spoken?
If yes, skip “about.”
Common Mistakes Related to “Discuss”
“Discuss about” isn’t the only issue.
Here are other common errors:
Incorrect Forms
- Discuss about ❌
- Discuss on ❌
- Discuss regarding ❌
Correct Form
- Discuss + object ✅
Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Discuss on the topic | Discuss the topic |
| Discuss regarding the issue | Discuss the issue |
| Discuss about the matter | Discuss the matter |
Case Study: How This Mistake Affects Writing
Let’s look at a real-world scenario.
Before (Incorrect Email)
“Dear Team,
We will discuss about the project timeline in tomorrow’s meeting.”
After (Correct Email)
“Dear Team,
We will discuss the project timeline in tomorrow’s meeting.”
What Changed?
- Sentence became shorter
- Tone became more professional
- Grammar became correct
Small change. Big impact.
Pro Tips to Avoid This Mistake Forever
You don’t need to memorize grammar rules. Just build better habits.
Read It Out Loud
If it sounds awkward, it probably is.
Use the “Talk About” Test
Replace “discuss” with “talk about.”
- “Talk about the issue” → correct
- “Discuss the issue” → correct
Now test:
- “Discuss about the issue” → doesn’t match
Keep It Simple
Short sentences are usually better.
- “We discussed the plan.”
- Not: “We discussed about the plan in detail regarding future considerations.”
Practice Rewriting
Take incorrect sentences and fix them.
It sticks faster than memorizing rules.
Expert Insight
“Clarity in language comes from simplicity, not complexity.”
That’s why removing unnecessary words matters.
Every extra word adds friction. Clean sentences flow better.
Final Takeaway: Keep It Simple and Correct
Let’s wrap this up.
- ❌ “Discuss about” is incorrect
- ✅ “Discuss” is correct
Remember This
- “Discuss” already includes “about”
- Adding it creates redundancy
- Simpler sentences sound more natural
One Line to Remember
Say what you mean. Don’t say it twice.
FAQ: “Discuss About” Explained Clearly
Is “discuss about” ever correct?
No. Not in standard English. Avoid it completely.
Why do people say “discuss about”?
Because of:
- Influence from similar verbs
- Translation from other languages
- Habit and overcorrection
Can I use “discuss on”?
No. It’s also incorrect.
Use:
- “Discuss the topic”
What’s the difference between “discuss” and “talk about”?
- “Discuss” is more formal
- “Talk about” is more casual
Both are correct when used properly.
Final Thought
Grammar doesn’t have to feel like a maze.
Sometimes, it comes down to one simple choice:
- Add extra words and risk mistakes
- Or keep it clean and get it right
Choose clarity. Every time.
Conclusion
Using discuss correctly without adding about may seem like a small detail, but it makes your English more clear, direct, and natural. Many people, including students and professionals, still make this common mistake, often because it sounds fine in everyday conversations. However, once you understand the simple rule, it becomes easy to avoid. With regular practice and attention to grammar, you can communicate more confidently and correctly in both written and spoken English.
FAQs
Q1. Is it ever correct to say “discuss about”?
No, it is incorrect in standard English because discuss already includes the meaning of “talk about.”
Q2. Why do many people still use “discuss about”?
Many people use it because it sounds natural in casual conversations, but it is still a grammar mistake.
Q3. What is the correct alternative to “discuss about”?
Simply use discuss alone, like “Let’s discuss the plan,” which is clear and correct.
Q4. Can “discuss about” be used in informal writing?
Even in informal communication, it is better to avoid it and use the correct form for better understanding.
Q5. How can I avoid this mistake in daily use?
Remember that discuss already means “talk about,” and with practice, you will use it correctly without thinking.
Sophia Moore is a Writing Coach who teaches English through real-life context, not boring theory.She develops smart mini-lessons for GrammarVerb so learners can write naturally and with precision.Her goal is to make English style clear, modern, and effective for every level.