Is It Correct to Say “Discuss About”?

The phrase “Discuss About” frequently confuses both learners and native speakers because “discuss” already implies talking about something. Adding “about” makes the phrase redundant and grammatically incorrect. Whether you’re traveling abroad or speaking formally, clarity matters, and small errors like this can affect how fluent you sound.

This guide will help you understand how to use “discuss” properly and confidently. Once you master this simple rule, your grammar and communication skills will sound more polished, clear, and natural. Avoiding phrases like “discuss about” not only improves correctness but also shows your strong grasp of English structure and usage.

The Meaning and Grammar of “Discuss”

“Discuss” is a transitive verb in English. That means it takes a direct object. You discuss something –  not discuss about something. The verb itself already carries the sense of “talk about,” so adding “about” becomes redundant.

Consider:

• ✅ We will discuss the plan tomorrow.
• ❌ We will discuss about the plan tomorrow.

In the first sentence, “discuss” acts on “the plan” directly. In the second, “about the plan” repeats information “discuss” already implies.

Why “discuss” doesn’t need “about”

• Redundancy: “Discuss” inherently includes the idea of “about.”
• Grammar structure: As a transitive verb, it expects a direct object, not a prepositional phrase like “about ___.”
• Native usage confirms this: in published English (books, journalism, academic writing), you’ll almost never see “discuss about.”

Fun fact: in a corpus search of millions of English sentences, the frequency of “discuss about” is extremely low in credible sources (e.g. mainstream media, academic journals). That confirms it’s nonstandard.

Why “Discuss About” Is Grammatically Incorrect

Most mistakes with “discuss about” come from a misunderstanding: people think “discuss” + “about” is analogous to “talk about,” so they replicate it. But that’s a false analogy.

Here’s the reasoning:

1. “Discuss” already conveys “talk about” → If you say “discuss the project,” “about” is implied.
2. English usage patterns → Dictionaries, style guides, grammar books all treat “discuss” as direct + object, without “about.” → No major dictionary lists “discuss about” as acceptable.
3. Redundancy and wordiness → Using “about” makes a sentence longer without adding new meaning. Redundancy weakens writing clarity.

Examples that clarify

Incorrect (with “about”)	Correct (without “about”)
Let’s discuss about the issue.	Let’s discuss the issue.
We discussed about strategy yesterday.	We discussed strategy yesterday.
She discussed about her concerns.	She discussed her concerns.

Each “correct” form sounds cleaner and flows naturally.

Even if someone says “discuss about” colloquially, you’ll catch that in informal speech among non-native speakers, not in polished writing or speech by educated native speakers.

Understanding Transitive Verbs and Direct Objects

To fully grasp why “discuss about” fails, you should understand the concept of transitive verbs.

A transitive verb is one that requires an object to complete its meaning –  an object that receives the action.

• She reads a book → “reads” is transitive; “a book” is the direct object.
• They closed the door → “closed” is transitive.

In contrast, intransitive verbs do not take a direct object:

• He sleeps.
• They arrived.

“Discuss” belongs to the transitive class. So the structure is:

Subject + discuss + direct object

You never need “about” in that structure.

Other transitive verbs (and how they work)

Here are a few verbs people sometimes err with:

Verb	Correct Use	Incorrect Use (with “about”)
explain	She explained the rules.	She explained about the rules.
mention	He mentioned the issue.	He mentioned about the issue.
describe	They described the scene.	They described about the scene.
debate	We debated the topic.	We debated about the topic. (Note: though debated about is more common, many style guides still prefer “debate the topic.”)

These examples show the shared pattern: a direct object is enough; “about” is extra.

When “About” Is Correct (with Other Verbs)

Even though “discuss about” is wrong, “about” is absolutely correct with many other verbs. Let’s see how.

Verbs that naturally pair with “about”:

• talk about something
• think about something
• worry about something
• learn about something
• read about something
• complain about something

Examples:

• She talked about her childhood for hours.
• He thinks about moving to a new city.
• We read about climate change in a journal.

Notice: in these cases, the verb does not already imply “about.” So “about” is needed to express the object of concern.

The key difference: these verbs are intransitive or semi-transitive in those contexts with “about.” They require that preposition to complete meaning.

Quick rule of thumb: If a verb does not already mean “talk about” or “deal with,” it might need “about” to connect to its object.

Other Common Mistakes: “Mention About,” “Explain About,” “Describe About”

Let’s list some recurring errors and why they’re wrong. Then you’ll see how to correct them.

Common mistaken phrases

• Mention about
• Explain about
• Describe about
• Talk about about (double “about”)
• Debate about (controversial, depending on style)

Why they’re incorrect

Each of these verbs is transitive in the contexts where people use “about.” So using “about” duplicates the object relation.

Corrections and examples

Mistake	Better Version	Explanation
She explained about the issue.	She explained the issue.	“Explain” already acts on the object.
He mentioned about her suggestion.	He mentioned her suggestion.	“Mention” already takes a direct object.
They described about their work.	They described their work.	“Describe” needs the object directly.
We want to debate about this idea.	We want to debate this idea.	“Debate” is often treated like “discuss” –  direct object works better in formal writing.

In casual speech, you might hear “explain about,” but in polished writing and educated speech it’s best to avoid.

Alternatives and Natural Phrasings You Can Use

Since you can’t say “discuss about,” what should you say? Here are natural, grammatically clean alternatives –  with nuance notes too.

Popular alternatives

• discuss X –  the default and most correct
• talk about X –  more casual
• have a discussion about X –  slightly longer but clear
• speak on X –  formal, public speaking style
• confer on X –  formal, e.g. in meetings
• debate X –  implies more argumentative angle
• touch on X –  suggests a lighter mention
• go over X –  more conversational / review tone

Choosing among them

Alternative	Tone / Use Case	Comment
discuss X	neutral / formal	Best for essays, reports, articles
talk about X	casual / conversational	Good for blogs, conversations
have a discussion about X	explanatory	Emphasizes the act of discussing
speak on X	formal, speeches	Useful in presentations
confer on X	formal meetings	Common in business/legal writing
debate X	argumentative	Emphasizes opposing views
touch on X	light mention	When you just skim a topic
go over X	review / explanation	For teaching or summarizing

Example conversions

• ❌ We want to discuss about holiday plans.
• ✅ We want to discuss holiday plans.
• ❌ Let’s discuss about our options.
• ✅ Let’s talk about our options.
• ❌ I’ll discuss about this issue tomorrow.
• ✅ I’ll have a discussion about this issue tomorrow.

Pick the one that fits your tone and audience.

Real-Life Usage Examples and Mini Exercises

Seeing examples in context helps you internalize correct use.

Examples across contexts

Academic / formal writing:

• The committee will discuss the proposal in the next meeting.
• In class, we discuss climate change from scientific and political angles.

Business / email:

• Let’s discuss the numbers tomorrow afternoon.
• We should have a discussion about the contract terms before we sign.

Casual speech / blog / conversation:

• I want to talk about this movie with you.
• We often go over weekend plans on Friday night.

Mini exercises (try these yourself)

Rewrite the incorrect sentences below into correct form using one of the alternatives:

1. They discussed about their new project.
2. She explained about the rules clearly.
3. We need to discuss about budget cuts soon.
4. He decided to discuss about the feedback with the team.
5. We often discuss about life and philosophy.

Sample answers:

1. They discussed their new project.
2. She explained the rules clearly.
3. We need to discuss budget cuts soon.
4. He decided to discuss the feedback with the team.
5. We often talk about life and philosophy.

Reflecting on those makes the correct pattern stick.

Etymology & Usage Evolution of “Discuss”

Understanding a word’s origin often clarifies how it works today.

• Origin: The verb discuss comes from Latin discutere, meaning “to shake apart, examine.”
• Over time, it took on the meaning “examine by argument or investigation.”
• In older English texts, “discuss” often appears with a sense of debate or thorough examination (not just casual talk).
• Despite its origins, modern English dropped any “about” after “discuss.” Historical usage of “discuss about” is extremely rare in reputable writing.

Etymology gives us insight: discuss itself carried the “thoroughly examine” sense –  so “about” would be redundant from the start.

Style Tip: Choosing Between “Discuss,” “Talk About,” and “Debate”

Each phrase has its own connotation. Pick wisely based on tone, audience, and purpose.

Nuance comparison

• Discuss –  neutral, safe in most formal and semi-formal contexts
• Talk about –  casual, conversational
• Debate –  suggests disagreement, opposing views

A chart may help:

Phrase	Formality	Implied tone	Suggested use
discuss X	medium to high	neutral / analytical	academic writing, reports
talk about X	low to medium	informal, friendly	blogs, conversation, casual writing
debate X	medium to high	confrontational, argumentative	opinion essays, panels

Example nuance:

• We discuss climate policy at the conference. (neat, balanced)
• Let’s talk about climate policy over coffee. (relaxed, friendly)
• They debate climate policy every hour. (active disagreement)

Using all three selectively gives your writing richness.

“Discussion On” vs. “Discussion Of” vs. “Discussion About”

This is tricky territory, but here’s how to navigate those subtly different prepositional pairs.

How they differ

• discussion of X –  most formal, used in academic writing
• discussion on X –  slightly less formal, common in media or talks
• discussion about X –  natural in conversation and less strict writing

Examples in context

• In a journal article: A discussion of the findings follows.
• At a seminar: Join us for a discussion on mental health.
• In a blog or casual speech: I wrote a discussion about remote work.

Even though “discussion about” is natural in casual use, you don’t say “discuss about.” The noun “discussion” behaves differently from the verb “discuss.”

Rule of thumb: for the verb, never add “about.” For the noun “discussion,” you can use “about,” “of,” or “on,” depending on tone.

Advanced Notes for Curious Learners

For readers who want deeper grammar connections, here are a few related points:

Possessive Nouns & Object Ownership

Sometimes people get tangled when they try to express ownership in a phrase like:

• We will discuss the company’s strategy
• We will discuss the strategy of the company

Both are correct –  but you don’t need to say discuss about the company’s strategy.

Commas with Nonrestrictive Clauses

When your object has extra nonessential information, use commas to separate it. For example:

We will discuss the budget, which the team prepared last week, in tomorrow’s meeting.

Here, “which the team prepared last week” is nonrestrictive and needs commas. But you still don’t insert “about.”

Verb Forms That Pair with “Discuss”

“Discuss” rarely appears in continuous aspect (“discussing”) when referring to full planned talk. Instead:

• We are discussing new ideas next week. (okay)
• We will be discussing proposals at meeting. (future continuous)

These are fine –  “discussing” still takes a direct object. You still don’t say “discussing about proposals.”

Clearing Up Common Doubts

Is it ever okay to say “discuss about”? No. In standard English, that phrase is considered incorrect. Even if you hear it informally, it’s better to avoid in writing and formal speech.

What is the difference between “talk about” and “discuss”?

• Talk about is more casual, friendly, and conversational.
• Discuss is more neutral or slightly formal, often used in writing or structured speech.

Can I say “discussion about”? Yes –  the noun “discussion” allows “about,” “of,” or “on.” Just avoid “discuss about” (the verb + “about”).

How do I correct myself in speech if I forget? Simply pause and drop “about.” For example, switch “I’ll discuss about that later” to “I’ll discuss that later.” With practice, you’ll internalize the correct form.

Summary: Your One Simple Rule to Remember

Never say “discuss about.” Use “discuss” + direct object. If you want to use “about,” switch to verbs like talk about, have a discussion about, or use the noun form discussion about.

Here’s a quick mnemonic:

Discuss needs an object. “About” adds nothing new.

Practical Takeaways

• Always use: discuss + object
• Avoid: discuss about + object
• Use talk about / have a discussion about / speak on etc. for variety
• With nouns, discussion of / discussion on / discussion about are all acceptable, depending on tone
• Keep a small cheat sheet or flashcards with correct vs. incorrect pairs

Let your writing and speech reflect the clarity you aim for. Over time, you’ll catch “discuss about” errors before they even appear.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “discuss” and “discuss about” is more than a grammar rule- it’s about developing precision and confidence in communication. English thrives on clarity. Every extra or misplaced word weakens that clarity. When you say “discuss about,” you’re repeating meaning unnecessarily. The verb “discuss” already includes the sense of “talk about”, so “about” becomes redundant and incorrect in standard English.

In professional settings- emails, meetings, academic writing, or even interviews- using language accurately demonstrates command, confidence, and respect for your reader or listener. When you say “Let’s discuss the proposal,” it sounds polished and assertive. But “Let’s discuss about the proposal” immediately signals a grammar gap. Subtle? Yes. But important.

The same rule applies across similar verbs like mention, explain, and describe– none of which need “about.” Once you master this pattern, you’ll instantly avoid dozens of related mistakes. The good news is that it’s simple: if your verb already takes a direct object, skip the preposition.

Language is constantly evolving, but certain fundamentals remain stable. “Discuss” has been a transitive verb since its earliest Latin roots, meaning to examine thoroughly. Over time, it’s become a word that embodies thoughtful communication. Knowing how to use it correctly elevates your writing, enhances fluency, and builds credibility.

So the next time you start to write or say “discuss about,” pause and simplify. Use “discuss” confidently. It’s short, sharp, and grammatically perfect. Remember: good grammar isn’t about perfection- it’s about connection. And mastering small distinctions like this one makes your English sound natural, intelligent, and effortless.

FAQs

Why is “discuss about” considered incorrect in English?

Because “discuss” is a transitive verb– it already takes a direct object. Adding “about” makes the phrase redundant. You can say “discuss the issue” but not “discuss about the issue.” The preposition “about” adds no meaning and breaks grammatical structure. Native speakers instinctively drop it because “discuss” itself implies the act of talking about something in detail.

Is “discussion about” acceptable while “discuss about” isn’t?

Yes. The noun form “discussion” behaves differently. You can say “a discussion about the topic” or “a discussion on climate change.” Prepositions connect the noun to its subject. But with the verb “discuss,” no preposition is needed. Think of it this way: “discuss” = action; “discussion” = thing. The rules vary based on grammatical function, not meaning.

How can I remember when to drop ‘about’?

Use this simple trick: if your sentence has a verb like discuss, mention, explain, describe, or debate, it probably doesn’t need “about.” But if you’re using a noun– like discussion, explanation, description– then you often do. For example, “discuss the topic” ✅ but “have a discussion about the topic” ✅. Focus on whether you’re doing the action or naming it.

What are some correct alternatives to ‘discuss about’?

Replace “discuss about” with “talk about,” “have a discussion about,” “speak on,” “go over,” or “debate.” These alternatives vary in tone and formality, giving you flexibility. For example, say “Let’s talk about our plans” in casual speech, but “Let’s discuss our plans” in business or academic writing. Using the right alternative improves tone and accuracy simultaneously.

How can I avoid similar grammar mistakes in the future?

Develop awareness of transitive verbs– verbs that directly act on an object. Study patterns: “discuss a topic,” “explain a rule,” “mention a fact.” Read credible English sources to see correct usage in context. Finally, practice rewriting incorrect sentences into correct ones. Over time, your brain internalizes proper patterns, and mistakes like “discuss about” disappear naturally from your speech and writing.