How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence

The verb consider means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. You can use it to show that you are weighing options, reflecting on an idea, or showing respect for someone’s feelings. In a sentence, consider is most often followed by a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause starting with “that” or “whether.” For example: “Please consider my suggestion” (noun), “Consider joining the team” (gerund), or “I consider that we need more time” (clause).

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’

Use consider + noun/gerund/clause. It is a transitive verb, so it always needs an object. Common patterns:

• Consider + noun: “Consider the cost before buying.”
• Consider + gerund: “She considered moving to a new city.”
• Consider + that clause: “We consider that the plan is risky.”
• Consider + whether/if clause: “He considered whether to accept the offer.”

Do not use “consider to do” (incorrect: “I consider to go”). Instead, say “I consider going.”

Understanding the Meaning and Tone of ‘consider’

Consider is a neutral to formal verb. It fits well in professional emails, academic writing, and polite conversation. In casual speech, people often use “think about” or “look at” instead, but consider adds a tone of thoughtfulness and respect. For example, “Consider your audience” sounds more deliberate than “Think about your audience.”

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In formal writing (reports, business letters, essays), consider is standard. In informal conversation, it is still correct but can feel slightly stiff. Compare:

• Formal email: “Please consider the attached proposal.”
• Informal chat: “Hey, think about the proposal.”

When speaking with friends, you can use consider to sound serious: “Consider how this affects everyone.” It works, but it is less common in everyday casual talk.

Comparison Table: ‘consider’ vs. Similar Verbs

Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Sentences

Here are real-life examples showing how consider is used in different situations:

• In a business email: “We kindly ask you to consider our revised offer.”
• In a conversation about travel: “Have you considered visiting Japan this spring?”
• In academic writing: “The study considers the effects of climate change on coastal cities.”
• In daily life: “Consider taking a different route to avoid traffic.”
• In a polite request: “Would you consider helping me with this project?”
• In a decision-making context: “She considered every detail before signing the contract.”

Using ‘consider’ with Different Sentence Structures

Notice how the object changes the meaning slightly:

• Consider + noun: “Consider the consequences.” (Focus on a specific thing)
• Consider + gerund: “Consider applying for the scholarship.” (Focus on an action)
• Consider + that clause: “I consider that you are right.” (Focus on a belief or opinion)
• Consider + whether: “We need to consider whether this is feasible.” (Focus on a question)

Common Mistakes with ‘consider’

English learners often make these errors. Avoid them to sound natural:

• Mistake 1: Using “consider to do”
  Incorrect: “I consider to change my job.”
  Correct: “I consider changing my job.”
• Mistake 2: Forgetting the object
  Incorrect: “Please consider.” (Consider what?)
  Correct: “Please consider my request.”
• Mistake 3: Confusing “consider” with “regard as”
  Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.” (This is common but not standard in formal English)
  Correct: “I consider him a friend.” (No “as” needed)
• Mistake 4: Using “consider about”
  Incorrect: “I am considering about the offer.”
  Correct: “I am considering the offer.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes consider is not the best word. Here are alternatives for specific contexts:

• When you want to sound more formal: Use “contemplate” or “deliberate.” Example: “The board will deliberate the proposal.”
• When you want to sound more casual: Use “think about” or “look into.” Example: “I’ll think about it.”
• When you want to emphasize evaluation: Use “assess” or “evaluate.” Example: “We need to assess the risks.”
• When you want to show respect: Use “take into account.” Example: “Please take my situation into account.”

Use consider when you want a balanced, thoughtful tone that works in both writing and speech.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Complete each sentence with the correct form of consider or choose the right option. Answers are below.

1. She is __________ (consider) a career change.
2. Please __________ (consider) the impact of your words.
3. Have you ever __________ (consider) living abroad?
4. We __________ (consider) that the project is too expensive.

Answers

1. She is considering a career change.
2. Please consider the impact of your words.
3. Have you ever considered living abroad?
4. We consider that the project is too expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘consider’

1. Can I use “consider” in the past tense?

Yes. The past tense is considered. Example: “She considered the offer carefully.”

2. Is “consider” followed by a gerund or infinitive?

It is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive. Say “consider going,” not “consider to go.”

3. Can I say “consider as”?

In formal English, avoid “consider as” when you mean “regard.” Say “I consider her a friend,” not “I consider her as a friend.” However, “consider as” can appear in other contexts, like “consider as an example,” but it is often unnecessary.

4. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about”?

Consider is more deliberate and formal. Think about is broader and more casual. For example, “Consider the evidence” suggests careful analysis, while “Think about the evidence” is less structured.

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ Naturally

To use consider like a native speaker, remember these points:

• Always include an object (noun, gerund, or clause).
• Use it in polite requests: “Would you consider…?”
• In writing, it adds professionalism. In speech, it adds seriousness.
• Practice with common collocations: “consider the options,” “consider the possibility,” “consider the consequences.”

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