Meaning & use
discuss
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To talk about a subject with someone in order to exchange ideas or reach a decision.
Grammar: Takes a direct object: discuss the plan. Do not say 'discuss about'.
Patterns
- discuss something
- discuss something with someone
We need to discuss the budget before the meeting.
She discussed her plans with her parents.
The class discussed the novel for an hour.
verbtransitiveformal
To write or speak about a subject in detail, especially in a formal context.
Grammar: Often used in academic writing: the essay discusses...
Patterns
- discuss a topic
- discuss something in detail
The report discusses the effects of climate change on agriculture.
In this chapter, I will discuss three theories of learning.
Word forms
| third person singular | discusses |
|---|---|
| past tense | discussed |
| past participle | discussed |
| -ing form | discussing |
Common combinations
- discuss a plan
- Let's discuss the plan over lunch.
- discuss something with someone
- I discussed the problem with my teacher.
- discuss the details
- We can discuss the details later.
- discuss the possibility of
- They discussed the possibility of moving abroad.
Synonyms and how they differ
- talk about
- More informal and common in everyday speech; 'discuss' is slightly more formal and takes a direct object without 'about'.
- debate
- Suggests arguing opposing views formally; 'discuss' is more neutral and cooperative.
Word family
- discussion noun
- A conversation or debate about a topic.
- discussable adjective
- Able to be talked about; open to discussion.
Commonly confused: discuss or discus?
discuss vs discus
A heavy disk thrown in athletics; 'discuss' is the verb meaning to talk about.
Practice
Which sentence is correct?
Choose one answer.
'Discuss' takes a direct object, so 'discuss the policy' is correct. 'Discuss about', 'discuss on', and 'discuss to' are not used in standard English.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “discuss”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.