Discuss + what? What preposition does 'discuss' take? Usage related to Discuss

1. What is Discuss? 

In English, discuss is a verb that means to have a discussion.

Discuss (v) /dɪˈskʌs/: to talk about a subject with someone and tell each other your ideas or opinions

E.g: The police want to discuss these recent racist attacks with local people

2. Which Preposition Does 'Discuss' Take? 

In English, which prepositions can 'discuss' be used with? Let's explore these phrases together! 

The answer is Discuss typically takes the preposition 'with'. In addition, 'discussion' often takes prepositions such as 'about', 'of', 'among'.

In this section, let's find the answers together with Mytour and gain a deeper understanding of these phrases!

2.1. Discuss with 

Discuss with someone: engage in conversation with someone

For example:

• I’d like to discuss this matter with you later.
• The police want to discuss these recent racist attacks with local people. 

2.2. Discuss about? 

Unlike 'discussion', 'discuss' does not take 'about' when you want to talk about a specific issue.

For example:

• We have a discussion about the next plan => Đúng
• We discuss about the next plan => Sai

According to the Oxford dictionary, 'to discuss' means 'to talk about something with somebody, especially in order to decide something'.

Therefore, 'to discuss' = 'to talk about'.

If you use 'discuss about', it would be similar to 'talk about about' => Incorrect.

In the example above, you should correct it to: We discuss the next plan.

3. Discuss + to V or V-ing?

In English, the verb 'discuss' is followed by a V-ing, meaning: to talk about doing something.

For example:

• They are discussing building a new house
• No one wants to discuss making a plan with him

4. Some phrases that go with discuss

Note: Discuss = talk about.

Let's explore some ways to use the word 'discuss' as follows:

• To discuss something with somebody: Để thảo luận điều gì đó với ai đó

For example: Have you discussed the problem with him?

• To discuss something: Để thảo luận về điều gì đó

For example: I’m not prepared to discuss this on the phone. They met to discuss the possibility of working together.

• To discuss when, what, etc…: Để thảo luận khi nào, cái gì, v.v.

For example: We need to discuss when we should go.

• To discuss (somebody/something) doing something: Để thảo luận (ai đó / cái gì đó) làm điều gì đó

For example: We briefly talked about buying a second car.

Similarly to 'discuss', words like 'mention' and 'introduce' also do not always go with the preposition 'about', my friends!

5. Distinguish Between Discuss and Debate

Discuss and debate are two words that can be confusing in English usage.

Discuss (v) /dɪˈskʌs/: thảo luận, tranh luận một cách nghiêm túc

Discuss involves serious discussion or debate, usually taking place in a formal exchange of words where multiple opinions and perspectives are presented to discuss and consider a particular issue.

For example: They scheduled a meeting to discuss the new rules.

Debate (n) /dɪˈbeɪt/: tranh luận thường là công khai

Debate involves public argumentation, such as debates among candidates, formally arguing over arguments or issues.

For example: They discussed a proposed amendment.

6. Common Phrases with Discuss

• Discussion + about : Nói về một cuộc thảo luận, bàn luận thông thường.

E.g: We will have a discussion about this situation.

• Discussion + on/of : Dùng với ý nghĩa trang trọng hơn ví dụ như một bài nghiên cứu hay vấn đề trịnh trọng.

E.g: She has a discussion on the environmental topic in this country.

• In discussion with: trong cuộc thảo luận với

E.g: The company was in discussion with companies in Malaysia and Korea.

• Under discussion: đang được thảo luận

E.g: The marketing plans for next year are still under discussion.

• Discussion between … and …: cuộc thảo luận giữa … và … 

E.g: There were discussions between teachers and students yesterday.

7. Exercises: Discuss with which preposition?

Exercise 1: Fill in the appropriate preposition. If no preposition is needed, fill in “x”

1. Our family is discussing………..  plans for the next trip.
2. Linda met Jim to have a discussion……….  the curriculum.
3. Marry started a discussion……………  the differences between men and women.
4. He discussed his wedding plans ………………. her parents yesterday.
5. We are discussing …………… the advantages of learning foreign languages.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. _____ the discussion, we learned a lot about computers.

A. On B. Of C. During D. For

2. The manager discussed a variety of financial issues _____ us.

A. between B. with C. on D. about

3. In the end, Peter summarized _____ the discussion.

A. on B. in C. up D. at

4. She asked: “Who will ______ the discussion?”

A. start B. participate C. take part D. open

5. She declined to join _____ the discussion.