How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence

To use consider correctly in a sentence, you must understand that it means to think carefully about something, typically before making a decision. It is a transitive verb, which means it almost always needs an object. You consider something or someone, or you consider doing something. For example, you can say, “I will consider your offer,” or “She considered moving to a new city.” The word is common in both formal writing and everyday conversation, but its tone can shift depending on the structure you choose.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’

Use consider + a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause starting with “whether” or “if.” Do not use consider + “to” + verb. Here is a simple guide:

• Consider + noun: “Please consider my application.”
• Consider + gerund: “They are considering buying a house.”
• Consider + whether/if: “We need to consider whether this is the right time.”
• Consider + object + (to be) + noun/adjective: “I consider him (to be) a friend.”

Understanding the Core Meaning

The verb consider is more deliberate than think about. When you consider something, you give it your attention and weigh it carefully. It is not a quick glance; it is a thoughtful process. This makes it ideal for professional emails, academic writing, and serious discussions. In casual conversation, it is still natural but can sound slightly more formal than alternatives like “think about” or “look at.”

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In formal writing, consider is often used to show respect for an idea or person. For example, in a business email: “We will consider your proposal at the next meeting.” In informal speech, you might say, “I’m considering getting a dog.” Both are correct, but the formal version often includes a direct object that is a concept or a person, while the informal version frequently uses a gerund.

Comparison Table: ‘consider’ vs. Common Alternatives

Natural Examples in Different Contexts

Everyday Conversation

• “I’m considering a new hobby, maybe painting.”
• “Have you considered talking to your manager about it?”
• “She considered every option before choosing the train.”

Professional Emails

• “Please consider my request for a deadline extension.”
• “We are considering your application and will respond soon.”
• “The committee will consider all feedback before making a decision.”

Writing and Study

• “The author considers the impact of climate change on agriculture.”
• “You should consider both sides of the argument in your essay.”
• “Historians consider this event a turning point.”

Common Mistakes with ‘consider’

Mistake 1: Using ‘consider to’ + verb

This is the most frequent error. Many learners write “I consider to go” instead of “I consider going.” The correct pattern is consider + gerund.

Incorrect: “She considered to change her job.”
Correct: “She considered changing her job.”

Mistake 2: Forgetting the object

Because consider is transitive, it needs an object. You cannot say “I am considering.” You must say what you are considering.

Incorrect: “He is considering.”
Correct: “He is considering the offer.”

Mistake 3: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘consider as’

In standard English, you do not need “as” after consider when you mean “regard.” You can say “I consider him a friend,” not “I consider him as a friend.” However, “consider as” is sometimes used in very formal or legal contexts, but it is safer to avoid it.

Incorrect: “They consider her as the best candidate.”
Correct: “They consider her the best candidate.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

While consider is versatile, sometimes a different word fits better. Here are some alternatives and their best contexts:

• Think about: Use in casual conversation when you do not need to sound serious. “I’ll think about it tonight.”
• Evaluate: Use in formal reports or when analyzing data. “We need to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy.”
• Weigh: Use when comparing two or more options. “She weighed the benefits of each plan.”
• Contemplate: Use for deep, philosophical, or long-term thinking. “He contemplated the future of the company.”

When you want to sound professional but not overly formal, consider is usually the best choice. It is safe for most situations.

Nuance: ‘Consider’ in Different Tenses

The meaning of consider can shift slightly depending on the tense. In the present simple, it often describes a general opinion: “I consider this a waste of time.” In the present continuous, it describes an ongoing thought process: “I am considering your proposal.” In the past simple, it describes a completed thought: “She considered the idea but rejected it.” Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.

1. I am _______ a new car.
   A) considering to buy
   B) considering buying
   C) consider buying
2. Please _______ my application carefully.
   A) consider
   B) consider to
   C) considering
3. They _______ him the best teacher in the school.
   A) consider as
   B) consider
   C) are consider
4. We need to _______ whether this plan is realistic.
   A) consider
   B) consider to
   C) considering

Answers

1. B) considering buying – After consider, use a gerund.
2. A) consider – This is a request in the imperative form.
3. B) consider – No “as” needed after consider in this structure.
4. A) consider – Use consider + “whether” clause.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ‘consider’ at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes. For example, “Consider the following points before you decide.” This is common in instructions and formal writing.

2. Is ‘consider’ followed by ‘to’ or ‘ing’?

It is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), not “to” + verb. So you say “consider going,” not “consider to go.”

3. What is the difference between ‘consider’ and ‘regard’?

Consider implies careful thought, while regard often means to look at or think of in a particular way. For example, “I consider him a friend” means I think of him as a friend after thought. “I regard him as a friend” is similar but slightly more formal and less active.

4. Can ‘consider’ be used in negative sentences?

Yes. For example, “I do not consider that a good idea.” It works naturally in negatives.

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’

To master consider, remember these three rules: always use an object, never use “to” after it, and avoid “as” unless you are writing very formal legal text. Practice by writing three sentences today: one about a decision you are making, one about a person you respect, and one about a plan you are thinking about. This will help you internalize the correct patterns.

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