The mistake and the correction
Wrong
“We need to discuss about the project timeline.”
Correct
“We need to discuss the project timeline.”
In standard English, "discuss" is a transitive verb. That means it takes a direct object, so you do not need "about" after it. You discuss a topic, discuss an issue, discuss the budget, or discuss the next steps.
Why Arabic speakers make this mistake
This mistake is very common for Arabic speakers because Arabic often uses a structure that feels like "talk about" or "speak about" when translated into English. In English, "talk" and "speak" usually need "about" before the topic, but "discuss" does not. So "talk about the meeting" is correct, but "discuss about the meeting" is not.
How to use "discuss" correctly at work
Professional context
“Today we will discuss the launch plan.”
Professional context
“Can we discuss the proposal tomorrow?”
Professional context
“I would like to discuss the responsibilities of the role.”
Professional context
“I need to discuss my workload.”
Professional context
“We can discuss the payment terms in our next call.”
Why does this matter in a professional context?
Most people will understand you if you say "discuss about", so this is not a communication disaster. However, in meetings, emails, interviews, and client calls, small grammar patterns can affect how polished your English sounds. Using "discuss" correctly signals that you are comfortable with professional English. It makes your sentence shorter, cleaner, and more natural. Instead of sounding like a direct translation from Arabic, you sound more fluent and confident.
Ready-to-use phrases with "discuss"
“Let's discuss the next steps.”
Use this at the end of a meeting or after a decision has been made.
“Can we discuss the timeline?”
Use this when you need clarity on deadlines or delivery dates.
“I would like to discuss the proposal in more detail.”
Use this in an email, message, or client conversation.
“We discussed the budget during yesterday's call.”
Use this when summarising what happened in a previous meeting.
“Could we discuss my responsibilities for this project?”
Use this with a manager when you want to clarify your role.
“The team will discuss the issue and come back with a recommendation.”
Use this in formal updates or project communication.
What many Arabic speakers say vs what to say instead
Weak version
“”
Strong version
“”
Other phrases to double-check
- •Explain me the issue — Explain the issue to me
- •Reply back to my email — Reply to my email
- •Request for approval — Request approval or ask for approval
- •Attend to the meeting — Attend the meeting
- •Complain about from the service — Complain about the service
- •Ask about a question — Ask a question