'discussion about' or 'discussion on'

[Agnes]

Is it correct to say 'we had a discussion about something' Can one discuss 'about'? I thought it's 'talk about' or discuss on' a subject. Perhaps one can have a discussion 'about' a topic or 'on' a topic. What is the right way of saying it?

 

[curmudgeon]

About is used when the subject or emphasis is considered more serious

On is used for ordinary day-to-day matters

We had a discussion about the economic effects of a rise in the price of fish.

We had a discussion on the price of fish.

 

[Agnes]

Thanks!

 

[Agnes]

So I can say 'I want to discuss about something' using 'discuss' as a verb? Isn't it to 'discuss something'?

 

[Agnes]

I agree with the 'discussion about' and 'discussion on', but I don't understand one can 'discuss about'. Doesn't 'discuss' mean 'talking about'? making it mean 'talking about about'?

 

[curmudgeon]

I want to discuss something with you.

I want to discuss the price of fish with you.

You don't use about here

You could say... I want to talk to you about something

 

[Agnes]

Now it makes sense. Thanks a lot!

 

[BobK]

...
I want to discuss the price of fish with you.
...

... and if you wanted to this with a shop-keeper who you thought was overcharging, you'd say 'I've a bone to pick with you'?

;-)

b

ps Don't worry Agnes - silly joke. To 'have a bone to pick with someone' is to have something to argue about.

 

[Agnes]

Ha...ha...ha...!!!THAT one I already know, but thanks for the joke!