Consider in a Sentence: Simple Examples for Learners

The verb consider means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. In everyday English, you use it to show that you are weighing options, reflecting on an idea, or showing respect for someone’s feelings. This guide gives you direct, practical examples of how to use consider in a sentence, with notes on tone, context, and common mistakes.

Quick Answer: How to Use “Consider”

Use consider + a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause starting with “that.” It is slightly formal but common in both writing and speech. Here are the three main patterns:

• Consider + noun: “Please consider my application.”
• Consider + gerund: “She considered moving to a new city.”
• Consider + that clause: “We considered that the plan might fail.”

Simple Sentence Examples with “Consider”

These examples are short and clear. They work well for daily conversation, emails, and basic writing.

• I will consider your offer.
• Please consider the cost before buying.
• He considered her advice carefully.
• They considered all the options.
• We should consider the weather before traveling.
• She considered changing her job.
• Consider this a friendly warning.
• Have you considered taking a break?

Formal vs. Informal Tone

Consider is more formal than think about. In casual conversation, native speakers often say “think about” instead. However, consider is perfectly natural in polite requests and professional writing.

Natural Examples in Context

Here are longer, natural sentences that show how consider is used in real situations.

• At work: “Before we decide, let’s consider the budget for next quarter.”
• In an email: “Dear Ms. Lee, please consider my application for the marketing role.”
• In a conversation: “I’m considering whether to take the train or drive.”
• In writing: “The author considers the impact of social media on young people.”
• Giving advice: “You should consider talking to a professional about this.”

Common Mistakes with “Consider”

Learners often make these errors. Avoid them to sound more natural.

Mistake 1: Using “to” after “consider”

Incorrect: “I consider to move to London.”
Correct: “I consider moving to London.”
Note: Use the gerund (verb + -ing), not the infinitive.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the object

Incorrect: “Please consider.”
Correct: “Please consider my request.”
Note: Consider usually needs an object. In very informal speech, you might hear “I’ll consider,” but it’s better to be specific.

Mistake 3: Using “consider as”

Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.”
Correct: “I consider him a friend.”
Note: Drop “as” when using consider to mean “regard as.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes consider is not the best word. Here are alternatives for different situations.

• Think about – Use in casual conversation. “I’ll think about it.”
• Weigh – Use when comparing options. “We need to weigh the pros and cons.”
• Evaluate – Use in formal or technical contexts. “The team will evaluate the results.”
• Take into account – Use when including factors. “Take the traffic into account.”
• Reflect on – Use for deep thinking. “She reflected on her past decisions.”

Mini Practice: 4 Questions

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

1. She is considering _____ a new language.
   a) to learn
   b) learning
   c) learn
2. Please _____ my suggestion before the meeting.
   a) consider
   b) consider to
   c) consider as
3. I consider her _____ best friend.
   a) as my
   b) my
   c) to be my
4. They considered _____ the project early.
   a) to finish
   b) finishing
   c) finish

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

FAQ: Common Questions About “Consider”

1. Can I use “consider” in casual conversation?

Yes, but it sounds a little formal. In everyday talk, most people say “think about.” For example, “I’m thinking about getting a dog” is more natural than “I’m considering getting a dog,” though both are correct.

2. Is “consider” followed by “to” or “ing”?

It is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). Never use “to” after consider. Say “I considered leaving” not “I considered to leave.”

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

Consider means to think about or believe. Regard means to look at or view in a certain way. You can say “I consider her a friend” or “I regard her as a friend.” Note that regard needs “as,” but consider does not.

4. Can “consider” be used in negative sentences?

Yes. For example: “I don’t consider that a good idea.” “He never considered the consequences.” It works naturally in negatives.

Final Tips for Using “Consider”

To use consider correctly, remember these three rules:

• Use a noun or gerund after it, never “to.”
• Do not add “as” when you mean “regard as.”
• In formal writing and polite requests, consider is a strong, clear choice.

For more examples of common verbs and sentence patterns, visit our Daily English Sentences section. If you have questions about this guide, please contact us. To learn how we create our content, see our Editorial Policy.