Sentences with ‘consider’ for Better Writing
The verb consider is a powerful tool for expressing thought, evaluation, and opinion in English. To use it effectively in writing, you need to understand its core meaning—to think carefully about something—and the sentence patterns it follows. This guide gives you direct, practical answers on how to write sentences with consider for emails, essays, and everyday conversation, with clear examples and common pitfalls explained.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence
Use consider when you want to say someone thinks about something carefully before making a decision or forming an opinion. The most common patterns are:
- consider + noun/pronoun: “Please consider my application.”
- consider + verb-ing: “We are considering moving to a new office.”
- consider + that clause: “I consider that the plan is too risky.”
- consider + object + (to be) + noun/adjective: “They consider her (to be) an expert.”
In formal writing, consider often replaces think about to sound more professional. In conversation, it can be used naturally without sounding stiff.
Understanding the Core Meaning of ‘consider’
Consider means to think about something with attention, especially before making a choice. It is stronger than think about because it implies a careful, deliberate process. For example:
- “I thought about buying a car.” (casual idea)
- “I considered buying a car.” (serious evaluation)
The word also carries a nuance of respect or seriousness. When you consider someone’s feelings, you are not just aware of them—you are actively taking them into account.
Formal vs. Informal Tone with ‘consider’
In formal writing, such as business emails, academic essays, or reports, consider is a safe and effective choice. It sounds professional without being overly complex.
Formal example:
“We kindly ask you to consider our proposal before the deadline.”
Informal example:
“Hey, consider joining us for dinner tonight.”
In informal conversation, consider is still common but can sometimes sound a little serious. Native speakers often use think about in casual settings. However, consider is perfectly fine when you want to emphasize careful thought.
Comparison Table: ‘consider’ vs. Similar Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consider | Think carefully about | Neutral to formal | “Consider all options.” |
| Think about | Have an idea or opinion | Informal | “Think about the price.” |
| Contemplate | Think deeply for a long time | Formal | “Contemplate the meaning.” |
| Evaluate | Judge the value or quality | Formal | “Evaluate the results.” |
| Regard | Consider in a specific way | Formal | “Regard it as important.” |
Use consider when you want a balance between casual and formal. It works in most contexts.
Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Sentences
Here are realistic examples you can use in your own writing and speaking. Notice the different patterns.
In Emails and Professional Writing
- “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.”
- “I consider this opportunity a great step for my career.”
In Everyday Conversation
- “Have you considered taking a different route to work?”
- “I’m considering whether to buy the blue or the red one.”
- “She considered his advice but decided to follow her own plan.”
- “Consider this: if we leave now, we’ll avoid traffic.”
In Academic or Formal Writing
- “The study considers the effects of climate change on coastal cities.”
- “It is important to consider both sides of the argument.”
- “We consider this theory to be outdated.”
- “The author considers that economic factors are often overlooked.”
Common Mistakes with ‘consider’
Even advanced learners make errors with this verb. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using ‘to’ after ‘consider’
Incorrect: “I consider to change my job.”
Correct: “I consider changing my job.”
After consider, use the gerund (verb-ing), not the infinitive (to + verb).
Mistake 2: Forgetting the object
Incorrect: “Please consider.” (incomplete)
Correct: “Please consider my offer.”
Consider almost always needs an object. Without it, the sentence feels unfinished.
Mistake 3: Using ‘consider as’ incorrectly
Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.”
Correct: “I consider him a friend.” or “I consider him to be a friend.”
In standard English, consider does not need as when followed by a noun. However, consider as is sometimes used in very formal or legal contexts, but it is safer to avoid it.
Mistake 4: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘considerate’
Incorrect: “He is a very consider person.”
Correct: “He is a very considerate person.”
Consider is a verb. Considerate is an adjective meaning thoughtful of others.
Better Alternatives to ‘consider’
Sometimes you need a different word to express a specific shade of meaning. Here are useful alternatives with their contexts.
- Take into account – Use when you want to emphasize including a factor in a decision. “We must take into account the budget limitations.”
- Weigh – Use when comparing options. “She weighed the pros and cons before deciding.”
- Reflect on – Use for thoughtful, personal consideration. “He reflected on his past mistakes.”
- Keep in mind – Use as a reminder. “Keep in mind that the deadline is Friday.”
- Factor in – Use in planning or calculations. “Factor in the cost of shipping.”
Choose the alternative that best fits your tone and purpose.
When to Use ‘consider’
Use consider in these situations:
- Making a request: “Please consider my proposal.”
- Expressing an opinion: “I consider this a fair deal.”
- Discussing options: “We are considering several candidates.”
- Giving advice: “Consider talking to a professional.”
- Writing formally: “The board will consider the matter.”
Avoid consider when you want to sound very casual or when the thought is not serious. In those cases, think about or check out may be better.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers, then check below.
- Fill in the blank: “We are ______ moving to a bigger office.”
- Correct the mistake: “I consider to apply for the job.”
- Choose the correct sentence: a) “I consider him as a leader.” b) “I consider him a leader.”
- Rewrite using ‘consider’: “Please think about my suggestion carefully.”
Answers
- considering
- “I consider applying for the job.”
- b) “I consider him a leader.”
- “Please consider my suggestion.”
FAQ: Common Questions About ‘consider’
1. Can I use ‘consider’ in the past tense?
Yes. The past tense is considered. Example: “She considered the offer but declined.”
2. Is ‘consider’ followed by ‘to be’ always necessary?
No. You can say “I consider her a friend” or “I consider her to be a friend.” Both are correct, but the shorter version is more common in everyday English.
3. What is the difference between ‘consider’ and ‘regard’?
Regard is more formal and often used with as. Example: “I regard him as a mentor.” Consider is more flexible and does not need as.
4. Can ‘consider’ be used in negative sentences?
Yes. Example: “I do not consider that a valid argument.” It works naturally in negative forms.
Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ in Your Writing
To write better sentences with consider, remember these key points:
- Always use a gerund after consider, not an infinitive.
- Include an object to make your sentence complete.
- Avoid adding as unless you are using a very formal style.
- Match the formality of your context—consider works well in both professional and casual settings, but adjust if needed.
Practice by writing three sentences of your own using different patterns. For more help with sentence structure, visit our Writing Sentence Examples section. You can also explore Simple Sentence Examples for basic patterns or Daily English Sentences for everyday use. If you have questions about common errors, check our Common Usage Mistakes category. For any feedback, feel free to contact us.
