Discuss or Discuss About? Which One Is Correct
Quick Answer
The correct form is "discuss" without "about."
"Discuss" is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. Adding "about" is redundant and incorrect.
Explanation
Discuss is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without a preposition. The meaning of "about" is already contained in the verb "discuss."
Correct: discuss + direct object
Incorrect: discuss about + object
However, if you use "talk" instead, you DO need "about" because "talk" is intransitive:
- โ We can talk about the problem.
- โ We can discuss the problem.
Examples
โLet's discuss the project.
โWe need to discuss this matter urgently.
โThey discussed the budget for hours.
โLet's discuss about the project.
Similar Verbs (No Preposition Needed)
These verbs also don't need a preposition before their object:
- enter (not "enter into a room") โ Enter the room.
- approach (not "approach to") โ Approach the counter.
- mention (not "mention about") โ She mentioned the issue.
- emphasize (not "emphasize on") โ He emphasized the importance.
Common Mistake
Incorrect: We will discuss about the new policy in the meeting.
Correct: We will discuss the new policy in the meeting.
Practice
Fix the sentence:
"The committee will discuss about the proposal next week."