Common mistake Choosing the right word
Discuss (no "about")
Discuss about: why it is a mistake and what to write
Using "about" after "discuss" (for example "discuss about the topic"). In short: Put the topic straight after “discuss”, with no “about”: we discussed the plan.
This guide is for writers moving from B1 to B2 or from B2 to C1.
The rule for discuss about
Put the topic straight after “discuss”, with no “about”: we discussed the plan.
Pattern: discuss + the topic (no preposition).
Used correctly: "discuss" used with a direct object and no "about" (for example "we discussed the plan").
Use this when you say what two or more people talk over: "discuss" already means "talk about".
Discuss about: wrong and right examples
-
Wrong We discussed
aboutthe new rules.Right We discussed the new rules.
-
Wrong I want to discuss
aboutmy idea with you.Right I want to discuss my idea with you.
More right sentences
- We discussed the budget.
- Let's discuss your plan tomorrow.
- They are discussing how to cut costs.
Traps to avoid with discuss about
- "Talk about" is fine, but "discuss about" is not.
- The noun is different: "a discussion about the budget" is correct.