Have you ever written or said “discuss about the issue” and wondered if it sounds right? You’re not alone. This phrase is extremely common among English learners—and even some native speakers. However, if you’re aiming for polished, professional English, you might want to pause. So, is it correct to say “discuss about the issue”? In short: no, it’s not standard English. Let’s explore why, what makes it incorrect, and how to use the verb discuss properly.
Why “Discuss About the Issue” Is Incorrect
The verb discuss does not require a preposition like about. It is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object. In simple terms, the action goes directly to the thing being discussed.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, discuss means “to talk about something with someone in order to exchange ideas or decide something.” Notice that although the definition uses “talk about,” the verb discuss itself does not require about after it.
Similarly, the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines discuss as “to talk about something with somebody.” Again, the verb is followed directly by its object.
Correct Structure
- ✅ discuss + noun
- ❌ discuss about + noun
Therefore, the correct form is:
- ✅ We need to discuss the issue.
- ❌ We need to discuss about the issue.
Why Do People Say “Discuss About”?
If it’s incorrect, why do so many people say it?
There are two main reasons:
- Confusion with “talk about”: The verb talk requires the preposition about. For example, “Let’s talk about the issue.” Learners sometimes transfer this pattern to discuss.
- Influence from other languages: In many languages, the equivalent of discuss requires a preposition. When translating directly, speakers may add “about” in English.
However, standard English grammar does not allow this structure.
Discuss vs. Talk About: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between discuss and talk about can help prevent mistakes.
| Verb | Structure | Example | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss | discuss + noun | We discussed the problem. | More formal |
| Talk about | talk about + noun | We talked about the problem. | More informal |
Both verbs express similar meanings. However, discuss often sounds more formal and is common in academic, business, or professional contexts.
Examples in Context
Manager: Let’s discuss the budget in tomorrow’s meeting.
Team Member: Sure. I’ll prepare the financial report.
Friend 1: Can we talk about what happened yesterday?
Friend 2: Of course. What’s on your mind?
Notice that in professional communication, discuss is often preferred.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
Let’s look at some typical errors related to “discuss about the issue” and how to fix them.
- ❌ We discussed about the new policy.
✅ We discussed the new policy. - ❌ They are discussing about the problem right now.
✅ They are discussing the problem right now. - ❌ Let’s discuss about it later.
✅ Let’s discuss it later.
Remember: remove about after discuss.
Formal Writing and Style Guidelines
In formal writing—such as academic essays, reports, and business emails—using correct verb patterns is essential. Major style guides emphasize clarity and standard usage. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style stresses the importance of following standard verb constructions to maintain professional credibility.
Using incorrect phrases like “discuss about the issue” may not prevent understanding, but it can reduce the perceived quality of your English—especially in formal contexts.
Professional Email Example
Subject: Meeting to Discuss Project Timeline
Dear Ms. Chen,
I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the project timeline and identify potential risks. Please let me know your availability this week.
Best regards,
Daniel
Notice how natural and professional “discuss the project timeline” sounds.
Quick Grammar Rule to Remember
Here’s a simple tip:
If the verb is “discuss,” do NOT use “about.”
You can test yourself by replacing discuss with talk about. If you use talk about, you need about. If you use discuss, you don’t.
- We talked about the issue. ✅
- We discussed the issue. ✅
- We discussed about the issue. ❌
Other Verbs That Don’t Need “About”
To strengthen your understanding, here are similar verbs that also do not require about:
- ✅ consider the options (not “consider about”)
- ✅ mention the problem (not “mention about”)
- ✅ address the issue (not “address about”)
- ✅ enter the room (not “enter into the room” in most contexts)
These verbs already include the meaning that learners often try to express with a preposition.
Spoken English: Is It Ever Acceptable?
You might hear native or fluent speakers occasionally say “discuss about.” In casual speech, grammar is sometimes less strict. However, this usage is generally considered nonstandard.
If your goal is clear, accurate English—especially for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or professional communication—you should avoid it.
Final Answer: Is It Correct to Say “Discuss About the Issue”?
Let’s return to the original question: Is it correct to say “discuss about the issue”?
The answer is no. The correct form is:
- ✅ Discuss the issue
The verb discuss is transitive and does not require the preposition about. Dictionaries such as the Cambridge Dictionary and Oxford Learner’s Dictionary confirm this standard usage.
Key Takeaways
- “Discuss about the issue” is incorrect in standard English.
- Use discuss + noun (e.g., “discuss the issue”).
- Use talk about + noun if you want a more informal alternative.
- Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions after transitive verbs.
- Correct usage is especially important in academic and professional writing.
By understanding this simple rule, you can immediately improve your grammar accuracy and sound more natural in both speech and writing. The next time you’re about to write “discuss about the issue,” remember: just drop the about. Your English will be clearer—and more professional—without it.
Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to review common verb patterns. Small corrections like this make a big difference in mastering English.
Did I miss anything? Respond below :backhand_index_pointing_down: