The phrase ‘discuss about’ often raises questions, especially for English learners. Why do we sometimes need ‘about’ with the verb ‘discuss,’ while other times it’s not necessary? In this article, we will explore why ‘about’ is used in some contexts, the grammatical role of ‘about,’ and how it fits into sentence structure, especially in cases like ‘We should discuss about the new project.’
Why Is ‘About’ Used with ‘Discuss’?
In English, the verb ‘discuss’ typically does not require a preposition like ‘about.’ The standard structure is ‘discuss + noun’ (e.g., ‘We discussed the project’). However, in some cases, ‘about’ is added for clarity or emphasis, especially when the topic is complex or abstract. This is more common in spoken language or less formal contexts.
For example, in the sentence ‘We should discuss about the new project in the meeting tomorrow,’ ‘about’ is used to introduce the topic explicitly, even though ‘discuss’ alone could technically suffice. It helps to clarify that the subject of discussion is the ‘new project.’
Grammar of ‘About’ in Sentence Structure
In terms of sentence structure, ‘about’ functions as a preposition that connects the verb ‘discuss’ with the object (in this case, ‘the new project’). In English grammar, a preposition is used to show relationships between different parts of a sentence. When we say ‘discuss about,’ ‘about’ introduces the object or subject of the discussion.
However, it is important to note that in more formal or standard usage, we typically omit ‘about’ with ‘discuss,’ as the verb itself inherently suggests a focus on a topic. For example, ‘We discussed the project’ would be the more commonly accepted structure in formal contexts.
When to Use ‘About’ with ‘Discuss’
While ‘about’ is not always grammatically necessary, there are instances where it is commonly used. Here are a few scenarios where ‘about’ might be added:
- In informal speech or writing: ‘Let’s discuss about the new project tomorrow.’
- When emphasizing the topic: ‘We should discuss about the details of the new project.’
- To avoid ambiguity: ‘We should discuss about the plans for the new project, not just the budget.’
In formal contexts, however, it is better to omit ‘about’ and simply use ‘discuss’ followed by the noun or noun phrase.
Alternative Structures with ‘Discuss’
To understand when ‘about’ is necessary, it helps to know the typical structures with ‘discuss.’ In formal writing and speech, ‘discuss’ is usually followed directly by the object of discussion, without ‘about.’
For example:
- ‘We discussed the new project at the meeting.’
- ‘Let’s discuss the upcoming event tomorrow.’
In these cases, ‘about’ is not required, and the meaning remains clear. It’s only in some less formal situations or when additional emphasis is needed that ‘about’ is included.
Summary
While ‘about’ is not strictly necessary with the verb ‘discuss,’ it is commonly used in more informal contexts to clarify or emphasize the subject being discussed. The correct usage of ‘about’ depends on the formality of the situation and the speaker’s intention. In most cases, especially in formal writing, ‘discuss’ is sufficient on its own without ‘about.’
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