Common Mistakes When Using ‘consider’ in a Sentence

The most common mistake when using “consider” in a sentence is forgetting that it is a transitive verb that usually takes a direct object or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb), not an infinitive. Many learners incorrectly write “consider to do” instead of the correct “consider doing.” For example, “I consider to change my job” is wrong; the correct form is “I consider changing my job.” This guide explains the most frequent errors, shows you how to use “consider” correctly in formal and informal contexts, and provides practical examples for everyday conversation, email, and writing.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’ Correctly

Use “consider” + noun or “consider” + gerund (verb-ing). Never use “consider to + verb.” For example: “We consider your application” (noun) or “We consider moving to a new office” (gerund). In formal writing, you can also use “consider + that + clause,” as in “We consider that the proposal is fair.”

Understanding the Core Meaning and Structure

“Consider” means to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision. It is a transitive verb, which means it must be followed by an object. The object can be a noun, a pronoun, a gerund, or a “that” clause. The most common error is treating it like verbs such as “want” or “hope,” which are followed by an infinitive (“to + verb”).

Correct Structures for ‘consider’

• consider + noun/pronoun: “Please consider my request.”
• consider + gerund: “She considered applying for the job.”
• consider + that + clause: “I consider that the plan is risky.” (more formal)
• consider + object + (to be) + complement: “They consider him (to be) an expert.”

Incorrect Structures to Avoid

• consider to + verb: “I consider to go” → should be “I consider going.”
• consider + about: “We considered about the offer” → should be “We considered the offer.”
• consider + of: “He considered of the idea” → should be “He considered the idea.”

Comparison Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Uses

Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Different Contexts

Everyday Conversation (Informal)

• “Are you considering joining the gym with me?”
• “I never considered that option before.”
• “She’s considering a career change.”
• “We considered taking the train, but it was too expensive.”

Email and Business Writing (Formal)

• “Please consider our proposal before the deadline.”
• “We consider your feedback to be very valuable.”
• “The committee will consider all applications carefully.”
• “I consider that the current strategy needs revision.”

Academic and Professional Writing

• “The researcher considers the implications of the new policy.”
• “Economists consider inflation to be a major risk.”
• “We must consider the long-term effects of this decision.”

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Using ‘consider to’ instead of ‘consider + gerund’

Wrong: “I consider to study abroad next year.”
Right: “I consider studying abroad next year.”
Why: “Consider” is not followed by an infinitive. Use the gerund form.

Mistake 2: Adding unnecessary prepositions

Wrong: “We considered about the new policy.”
Right: “We considered the new policy.”
Why: “Consider” is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.

Mistake 3: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘think about’

While “think about” can be used with “about,” “consider” cannot. Compare:
“Think about the offer” (correct) vs. “Consider about the offer” (incorrect).

Mistake 4: Using ‘consider’ in the wrong tense for ongoing actions

Wrong: “I consider moving to a new city right now.” (when you mean you are currently thinking about it)
Right: “I am considering moving to a new city right now.”
Why: For an action happening now, use the present continuous “am considering.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes “consider” is not the best word. Here are alternatives for different tones:

• Think about – More informal and conversational. “I’m thinking about buying a car.”
• Evaluate – More formal, often used in business or academic contexts. “We need to evaluate the risks.”
• Weigh – Implies comparing options. “She weighed the pros and cons.”
• Contemplate – Suggests deep, thoughtful consideration. “He contemplated a career change.”
• Take into account – Used when considering factors. “Please take into account the budget.”

When to use “consider”: Use it when you want a neutral, slightly formal verb that fits both spoken and written English. It is safe for most situations, from casual chats to professional emails.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct option for each sentence.

1. I am _______ a new job.
   a) considering to take
   b) considering taking
   c) consider to take
2. Please _______ my application.
   a) consider about
   b) consider
   c) consider of
3. The team _______ that the project is feasible.
   a) considers
   b) considers about
   c) consider to
4. She _______ moving to London next year.
   a) is considering
   b) is considering to
   c) considers about

Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. a, 4. a

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ‘consider’ with ‘to be’?

Yes, in formal English, you can use “consider + object + to be.” For example: “I consider him to be a reliable colleague.” This is common in professional writing.

2. Is ‘consider about’ ever correct?

No. “Consider” is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition. Use “think about” if you need a preposition, but never “consider about.”

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

“Consider” implies careful thought, while “regard” often means to view or think of in a particular way. For example: “I consider your opinion” (I think about it carefully) vs. “I regard your opinion as important” (I view it as important).

4. Can ‘consider’ be used in the passive voice?

Yes. For example: “The proposal is being considered by the board.” This is common in formal and business English.

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ Correctly

To avoid mistakes, remember these three rules:
1. Never use “consider to + verb.” Always use “consider + gerund.”
2. Do not add “about” or “of” after “consider.”
3. For ongoing actions, use “am/is/are considering.”
Practice by writing a few sentences using “consider” with a gerund, and check them against the examples in this guide. For more help with common usage errors, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. If you have questions, visit our FAQ or contact us. For a broader understanding of sentence structure, see our Simple Sentence Examples and Daily English Sentences categories.