discuss the problem

Meaning

This phrase means to talk about a specific issue or difficulty with someone in order to find a solution or share opinions. It is a neutral expression used in both everyday life and professional settings. Crucially, 'discuss' is a transitive verb, meaning it does not take the preposition 'about'.

Examples

• We need to sit down and discuss the problem before it gets any worse.

  We need to sit down and discuss the problem before it gets any worse.

• Instead of arguing, let's calmly discuss the problem.

  Instead of arguing, let's calmly discuss the problem.

• The manager called a meeting to discuss the problem with our current software.

  The manager called a meeting to discuss the problem with our current software.

• I don't want to discuss the problem in front of the kids.

  I don't want to discuss the problem in front of the kids.

• If you have any issues, we can always discuss the problem during our weekly catch-up.

  If you have any issues, we can always discuss the problem during our weekly catch-up.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to discuss about the problem.

  ✓ We need to discuss the problem.

  The verb 'discuss' already means 'talk about,' so adding 'about' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

• ✗ Let's discuss of the problem.

  ✓ Let's discuss the problem.

  'Discuss' is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without any prepositions like 'of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of ignoring it, we should sit down and ___.

  💡 Talk about the issue to find a solution.

  Show answer

  discuss the problem

• The team met yesterday to ___ with the new schedule.

  💡 Solve the issue together.

  Show answer

  discuss the problem