Discuss / Talk about

[quest]

Dear Teachers:

Can’t we say, “discuss about”? Or should we say either ‘discuss’ or ‘talk about’?

Please explain.

Thanks in advance.

-Quest

[matilda]

disscuss means talk about s.th.it is used alone.

e.g:(according to oxford):
they discussed their holidays.

i saw no preposition.
they discussed the new highway they want to build.

regards

[DavyBCN]

Originally Posted by matilda

disscuss means talk about s.th.it is used alone.
e.g:(according to oxford):
they discussed their holidays.
i saw no preposition.
they discussed the new highway they want to build.
regards

I agree Matilda. There is also the point that to "discuss" needs at least 2 people - for the discussion. "Talk about" can just be one person. In an interview it is very common for the interviewer to say "talk about yourself/your work experience, etc".

You can, of course "have a discussion about" something.

[tom slocombe]

Hi quest, Matilda is right, discuss means talk about so the preposition is already present in the meaning of discuss.

There are lots of similar examples ---- I will try to think of a few more for you.

[quest]

Originally Posted by tom slocombe

Hi quest, Matilda is right, discuss means talk about so the preposition is already present in the meaning of discuss.
There are lots of similar examples ---- I will try to think of a few more for you.

Thanks Tom. I am looking forward to reading your list.

[tom slocombe]

Hi quest, I will send you some more when I think of them but here are a couple more.


enter/ come into
approach/ go up to

He entered the room/ he came into the room

He approached the dog/ he went up to the dog