In 15 Seconds
- A focused conversation aimed at solving a specific problem.
- More formal than 'chatting' but works in most daily situations.
- Commonly used in workplaces to address errors or concerns politely.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you need to have a serious or focused conversation about a specific problem or topic. It implies you are looking for a solution or sharing important information rather than just chatting.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional meeting
We need to discuss the issue with the new software update.
We need to discuss the issue with the new software update.
Talking to a landlord
I'd like to discuss the issue with the heating in my apartment.
I'd like to discuss the issue with the heating in my apartment.
Texting a roommate
Can we discuss the issue of the dirty dishes tonight?
Can we discuss the issue of the dirty dishes tonight?
Cultural Background
In the US, 'discussing the issue' is often seen as a way to be 'proactive.' It is considered a positive trait to bring up issues early so they can be fixed quickly. British speakers might use 'discuss the issue' as a polite way to introduce a complaint. It sounds less aggressive than saying 'I have a problem.' When working with Westerners, Japanese professionals may use 'discuss the issue' to signal they are adopting a more direct, Western style of communication. In universities worldwide, 'discussing the issue' is the standard way to describe the core of an essay or research paper.
The 'About' Trap
This is the #1 mistake. Even advanced learners say 'discuss about.' Practice saying 'Discuss the issue' ten times fast to build muscle memory.
Softening the Blow
If you need to bring up a problem, use 'I'd like to...' before the phrase. 'I'd like to discuss the issue' sounds much friendlier than 'We must discuss the issue.'
In 15 Seconds
- A focused conversation aimed at solving a specific problem.
- More formal than 'chatting' but works in most daily situations.
- Commonly used in workplaces to address errors or concerns politely.
What It Means
To discuss issue means you are sitting down to tackle a specific topic. It is more than just talking. It suggests you want to analyze something. You are likely looking for a resolution. It sounds professional but works in personal life too. Think of it as 'problem-solving talk.'
How To Use It
You usually use it with an article like the or an. For example, We need to discuss the issue. You can also add a descriptor. You might discuss a technical issue or discuss a private issue. It often appears in work emails. It also shows up when a partner says, "We need to talk."
When To Use It
Use it when something needs fixing. Use it at work during a meeting. Use it with a landlord about a broken sink. It is perfect for serious moments. It shows you are being mature. It signals that the conversation has a goal. It is great for clearing the air after a misunderstanding.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for light gossip. Don't say it when talking about your favorite movie. It sounds too heavy for casual small talk. If you use it for a tiny problem, you might sound dramatic. Avoid it if you just want to vent without finding a solution. It is not for 'shooting the breeze.'
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being direct about problems is often valued. Using the word issue is a softer way to say problem. It sounds less negative. It suggests the matter is up for debate. It became very popular in corporate culture in the 1990s. Now, it is a standard way to address friction politely.
Common Variations
You will often hear address the issue or bring up the issue. Some people say talk through the issue. In very casual settings, people might just say chat about the problem. If the issue is big, they might tackle the issue. Each variation changes the intensity of the conversation.
Usage Notes
This is a versatile B1-level collocation. It fits perfectly in neutral and formal settings, but remember to avoid the preposition 'about' after 'discuss'.
The 'About' Trap
This is the #1 mistake. Even advanced learners say 'discuss about.' Practice saying 'Discuss the issue' ten times fast to build muscle memory.
Softening the Blow
If you need to bring up a problem, use 'I'd like to...' before the phrase. 'I'd like to discuss the issue' sounds much friendlier than 'We must discuss the issue.'
Issue vs. Problem
In business, 'issue' is often preferred over 'problem' because it sounds more neutral and less negative.
Written English
This phrase is excellent for IELTS or TOEFL essays. It shows you have a good grasp of formal collocations.
Examples
6We need to discuss the issue with the new software update.
We need to discuss the issue with the new software update.
Professional way to bring up a bug or error.
I'd like to discuss the issue with the heating in my apartment.
I'd like to discuss the issue with the heating in my apartment.
Polite but firm way to request a repair.
Can we discuss the issue of the dirty dishes tonight?
Can we discuss the issue of the dirty dishes tonight?
Uses formal language to address a common household annoyance.
We really need to discuss your issue with buying too many shoes.
We really need to discuss your issue with buying too many shoes.
Using a serious phrase for a funny personal habit.
I think it's time we discuss the issues in our relationship.
I think it's time we discuss the issues in our relationship.
Serious and heavy tone for personal matters.
The manager came over to discuss the issue with our cold food.
The manager came over to discuss the issue with our cold food.
Standard service recovery language.
Test Yourself
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Which of these is correct?
'Discuss' is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition like 'about'.
Fill in the missing word to complete the collocation.
The manager called a meeting to ______ the issue of safety in the warehouse.
'Discuss the issue' is the standard professional collocation.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: I'm really worried about the new budget. B: I know. Let's ___________ tomorrow morning.
'Discuss the issue' fits the professional and serious tone of a budget worry.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you most likely say 'We need to discuss the issue'?
The phrase is used for serious, focused problem-solving.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Discuss vs. Talk About
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich of these is correct?
'Discuss' is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition like 'about'.
The manager called a meeting to ______ the issue of safety in the warehouse.
'Discuss the issue' is the standard professional collocation.
A: I'm really worried about the new budget. B: I know. Let's ___________ tomorrow morning.
'Discuss the issue' fits the professional and serious tone of a budget worry.
When would you most likely say 'We need to discuss the issue'?
The phrase is used for serious, focused problem-solving.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, 'discuss' is a transitive verb. You should say 'discuss the issue' or 'have a discussion about the issue.'
It can be. If you are talking about something small, like a movie choice, it's too formal. If you are talking about a serious fight, it's appropriate.
'Problem' is more direct and negative. 'Issue' is broader and often used in professional settings to sound more objective.
Yes, 'discuss the matter' is a perfect synonym, though slightly more formal.
You can write: 'I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the issue with the new project timeline.'
Use 'the' if you both know which problem you are talking about. Use 'an' if you are introducing a new problem.
Usually, but in academic writing, it can mean 'writing about' or 'analyzing' a topic.
No, you usually need to say what you discussed. 'We discussed the issue' is complete; 'We discussed' is not.
Not always. It can just mean a 'topic' for debate, like 'the issue of free speech.'
A 'non-issue' is something that people thought was a problem, but it actually isn't important.
This is a slang way of saying 'I have personal or psychological problems.' It's different from 'discussing an issue.'
No, you discuss *topics* or *issues*, you don't 'discuss a person' (unless you are talking about their behavior as a topic).
'Discussing' is the verb form (action); 'discussion' is the noun form (the event).
A 'burning issue' is a problem that is very urgent and needs to be discussed immediately.
Related Phrases
talk over
similarTo talk about something thoroughly.
address the problem
synonymTo deal with a problem.
bring up
builds onTo start talking about a subject.
deliberate
specialized formTo think or talk about something very carefully.
iron out
similarTo solve small problems.
