discuss
B1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To talk about something with another person or group, exchanging ideas or opinions.
To consider or examine a topic in speech or writing, often in detail; to debate or deliberate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a two-way exchange of views; often used for serious or important topics. Not typically used for casual chit-chat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties than 'talk about'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
discuss + noun phrasediscuss + wh-clausediscuss + with + personVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “discuss something ad nauseam”
- “discuss something in depth”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in meetings to talk about strategies, problems, or proposals. 'We need to discuss the Q3 budget.'
Academic
Used to analyse theories, arguments, or findings. 'The essay will discuss the causes of the revolution.'
Everyday
Used to talk about plans, news, or problems with friends/family. 'Let's discuss where to go on holiday.'
Technical
Used in reports or papers to present and analyse specific points. 'The manual discusses the safety protocols in detail.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee will discuss the new regulations next Tuesday.
- We need to discuss your performance review.
American English
- The board will discuss the merger at the next meeting.
- Let's discuss your college application.
adverb
British English
- He spoke discussively about the economic forecast.
- The panel interacted discussively with the audience.
American English
- She presented her findings discussively, inviting questions.
- The team worked discussively to solve the issue.
adjective
British English
- The discussable points were listed on the agenda.
- It's a highly discussable topic in the media.
American English
- The discussable items will be addressed first.
- That's a very discussable proposal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We discussed our favourite films.
- The teacher discussed the homework.
- The group discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the plan.
- They discussed where to go for dinner.
- The article discusses the impact of social media on mental health.
- The managers discussed the feasibility of the proposed changes.
- The thesis discusses the epistemological implications of the philosopher's later work.
- The panel of experts will discuss mitigating the long-term economic repercussions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DISCO where people are talking (USS) – they are at the disco to DISCUSS things.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCUSSION IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'We covered a lot of ground in our discussion', 'Let's go over that point again').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'discuss about' (a common error from the Russian construction обсуждать о чём-л.). The verb is transitive: 'discuss something'.
- Do not confuse with 'argue' (спорить). 'Discuss' is more neutral and cooperative.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'We discussed about the plan.' Correct: 'We discussed the plan.'
- Incorrect: 'Let's discuss on this topic.' Correct: 'Let's discuss this topic.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is incorrect. 'Discuss' is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition before its object. Say 'discuss the topic', not 'discuss about the topic'.
The noun form is 'discussion'. For example, 'We had a long discussion about politics.'
'Discuss' is a neutral or cooperative exchange of views. 'Argue' implies a stronger disagreement or conflict, often with the aim of persuading the other person.
Yes, 'discuss' is perfectly appropriate for formal writing, such as academic essays or business reports, where it means to examine or consider a topic in detail.