Common Mistakes When Using ‘Consider’ in a Sentence

The verb consider is one of the most frequently misused words in English. The most common mistake is adding unnecessary prepositions, especially as or about, after it. In standard English, you consider something or consider someone something — you do not consider as or consider about. This article explains the correct patterns, shows you the typical errors, and gives you clear alternatives for everyday writing and conversation.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘Consider’ Correctly

Use consider directly before a noun, a gerund (-ing form), or a clause. Do not add as or about after it unless you are using a very specific, informal structure.

• Correct: I consider this a good idea.
• Incorrect: I consider this as a good idea.
• Correct: We are considering moving to a new office.
• Incorrect: We are considering about moving to a new office.
• Correct: She considers him her best friend.
• Incorrect: She considers him as her best friend.

Why This Mistake Happens

Many learners translate directly from their native language. In some languages, the equivalent of consider is followed by a preposition meaning as or about. In English, however, consider is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. Adding an extra preposition creates a grammatical error and sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Another reason is confusion with similar verbs. For example, regard is always followed by as (I regard him as a friend), but consider does not follow this pattern. Mixing these two verbs is a very common mistake.

Comparison Table: ‘Consider’ vs. Similar Verbs

Notice that consider is the only verb in this group that does not require as before a noun or adjective complement. Use the table above to check your writing.

Formal vs. Informal Use of ‘Consider’

In formal writing, such as business reports, academic essays, or professional emails, consider is used without as. For example:

• Formal: The committee considers the proposal viable.
• Formal: We consider this approach the most efficient.

In informal conversation, native speakers sometimes drop the object entirely or use consider in a looser way. However, even in casual speech, adding as after consider sounds incorrect. For example:

• Informal but correct: I consider it done.
• Informal but incorrect: I consider it as done.

One exception is the phrase consider as when it means to examine or think about in the role of. This is rare and mostly used in legal or very formal contexts. For everyday use, avoid it.

Natural Examples of ‘Consider’ in Sentences

Here are natural examples that show the correct use of consider in different contexts:

In Everyday Conversation

• I’m considering a new job.
• Have you considered her offer?
• We consider this restaurant the best in town.
• She considered the idea carefully.

In Business Emails

• Please consider my application for the position.
• We consider your feedback valuable.
• The team is considering several options.
• I consider this matter urgent.

In Academic or Formal Writing

• Scholars consider this text a primary source.
• The study considers the effects of climate change.
• We consider these results significant.
• The court considered the evidence insufficient.

Common Mistakes with ‘Consider’

Mistake 1: Adding ‘as’ After ‘Consider’

This is the most frequent error. It happens because of confusion with regard as.

• Incorrect: I consider him as a friend.
• Correct: I consider him a friend.
• Incorrect: They consider this as a success.
• Correct: They consider this a success.

Mistake 2: Adding ‘about’ After ‘Consider’

Some learners add about because they think of consider as similar to think about. This is wrong.

• Incorrect: I am considering about buying a car.
• Correct: I am considering buying a car.
• Incorrect: We need to consider about the cost.
• Correct: We need to consider the cost.

Mistake 3: Using ‘Consider’ with an Infinitive

After consider, use a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive (to + verb).

• Incorrect: I consider to move to London.
• Correct: I consider moving to London.
• Incorrect: She considered to apply for the job.
• Correct: She considered applying for the job.

Mistake 4: Using ‘Consider’ with a That-Clause Incorrectly

You can use consider that + clause, but be careful not to add extra prepositions.

• Incorrect: I consider that as a problem.
• Correct: I consider that a problem. OR I consider that it is a problem.
• Incorrect: We consider that about the situation.
• Correct: We consider the situation. OR We consider that the situation is serious.

Better Alternatives to ‘Consider’

Sometimes you may want to use a different verb to express a similar idea. Here are some alternatives and when to use them:

Choose the verb that best fits the tone and context of your sentence. For most everyday situations, consider is perfectly fine as long as you use it correctly.

When to Use ‘Consider’ (and When Not To)

Use consider when you want to express:

• Thought or deliberation: I will consider your proposal.
• An opinion or judgment: I consider her qualified.
• Taking something into account: Consider the weather before you travel.

Do not use consider when you mean:

• To look at or observe: Use look at or examine. (She looked at the painting.)
• To discuss or talk about: Use discuss. (We discussed the plan.)
• To imagine or suppose: Use imagine or suppose. (Imagine you are rich.)

Mini Practice: Check Your Understanding

Complete each sentence with the correct form. Answers are below.

1. I am considering _______ (to buy / buying) a new laptop.
2. She considers him _______ (as / no word) her mentor.
3. We need to consider _______ (about / no word) the budget.
4. They consider this policy _______ (as / no word) unfair.

Answers:

1. buying (Use gerund after consider.)
2. no word (Do not add as.)
3. no word (Do not add about.)
4. no word (Do not add as; unfair is an adjective complement.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it ever correct to say “consider as”?

In very formal or legal English, you may see consider as used to mean to treat or regard in a particular role. For example: The court considered the document as evidence. However, in everyday writing and conversation, it is almost always better to omit as. Stick with consider something or consider someone something.

2. Can I use “consider” with a that-clause?

Yes. You can say I consider that he is right or I consider that the plan will work. This is grammatically correct, though it can sound slightly formal. In casual speech, people often say I think he is right instead.

3. What is the difference between “consider” and “regard”?

The main difference is structure. Consider does not take as before a complement: I consider her a friend. Regard always takes as: I regard her as a friend. In meaning, regard often implies a personal or emotional viewpoint, while consider is more neutral and analytical.

4. Is “consider about” ever acceptable?

No. Consider about is always incorrect in standard English. If you want to use about, use the verb think: I am thinking about your idea. With consider, the object follows directly.

Final Tip for Learners

To master consider, practice these three patterns until they feel natural:

• Consider + noun: Please consider my request.
• Consider + gerund: We are considering expanding the business.
• Consider + noun + noun/adjective: I consider her a genius. / I consider the plan risky.

Avoid as and about after consider, and you will sound much more natural. For more help with common usage mistakes, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also find practical examples in Simple Sentence Examples and Daily English Sentences. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.