Sentences with ‘consider’ for Better Writing

To use ‘consider’ effectively in writing, you must understand that it means to think carefully about something, typically before making a decision. It is a versatile verb that can replace weaker phrases like “think about” or “look at” and adds a tone of deliberation and respect to your sentences. This guide will show you exactly how to use ‘consider’ in formal emails, everyday conversation, and academic writing, with clear examples and common pitfalls to avoid.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’

Use ‘consider’ when you want to express thoughtful evaluation. The basic structure is: Subject + consider + object. For example: “I consider your proposal.” You can also use it with a gerund (verb + -ing): “Consider joining our team.” Or with a clause: “We consider that the plan is feasible.” Avoid using ‘consider as’ in standard English; simply say “consider something” or “consider something to be.”

Understanding the Core Meaning of ‘consider’

At its heart, ‘consider’ means to give something your full attention before forming an opinion or taking action. It is more deliberate than “think about” and more formal than “look at.” When you write ‘consider,’ you signal to your reader that you have weighed options or evidence. This makes it a powerful word for persuasive writing, professional emails, and analytical essays.

Formal vs. Informal Tone

In formal writing, ‘consider’ is often used with a noun or a ‘that’ clause: “The committee considers the matter closed.” In informal conversation, it is common to use ‘consider’ with a gerund: “Consider taking a break.” The word itself is neutral, but its structure can shift the tone. For example, “Consider this” is direct and slightly informal, while “We would ask you to consider this proposal” is polite and formal.

Email vs. Conversation Context

In emails, ‘consider’ is excellent for making polite requests or suggestions. For example: “Please consider my application for the position.” In conversation, it works well for giving advice: “Consider talking to your manager first.” The nuance is that ‘consider’ implies the listener has a choice, making it less pushy than “you should” or “you must.”

Comparison Table: ‘consider’ vs. Similar Verbs

Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Sentences

Here are examples that show how ‘consider’ fits naturally into different types of writing and speech.

• Formal email: “We kindly ask you to consider our revised offer before the deadline.”
• Academic writing: “Researchers must consider the limitations of their methodology.”
• Everyday conversation: “Consider how much time you will save by planning ahead.”
• Giving advice: “If you are unsure, consider asking a colleague for their opinion.”
• Persuasive writing: “Consider the impact of this decision on future generations.”

Common Mistakes with ‘consider’

Even advanced writers make errors with ‘consider.’ Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using ‘consider as’

Incorrect: “I consider him as a good leader.”
Correct: “I consider him a good leader.” or “I consider him to be a good leader.”
Explanation: The word ‘as’ is redundant after ‘consider’ in most cases. Use ‘consider + object + noun/adjective’ directly.

Mistake 2: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘consider about’

Incorrect: “We need to consider about the budget.”
Correct: “We need to consider the budget.”
Explanation: ‘Consider’ is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition like ‘about.’

Mistake 3: Using ‘consider’ for immediate actions

Incorrect: “Consider closing the door now.” (if the door is already open and you want it closed immediately)
Better: “Please close the door.”
Explanation: ‘Consider’ implies a period of thought, not an instant command. Use direct verbs for immediate requests.

Mistake 4: Overusing ‘consider’ in casual speech

Incorrect: “I consider that pizza is delicious.”
Better: “I think pizza is delicious.”
Explanation: ‘Consider’ sounds too formal for simple opinions about taste. Save it for situations that require careful thought.

Better Alternatives to ‘consider’

While ‘consider’ is useful, sometimes another word fits better. Here are alternatives based on context.

• For simple opinions: Use ‘think’ or ‘believe.’ Example: “I think this is a good idea.”
• For formal evaluation: Use ‘evaluate’ or ‘assess.’ Example: “We need to evaluate the risks.”
• For polite suggestions: Use ‘think about’ or ‘look into.’ Example: “Please think about my proposal.”
• For comparing options: Use ‘weigh’ or ‘balance.’ Example: “We must weigh the benefits against the costs.”
• For acknowledging a viewpoint: Use ‘take into account.’ Example: “Take into account the client’s feedback.”

When to Use ‘consider’

Use ‘consider’ when you want to sound thoughtful, respectful, or analytical. It is ideal for:

• Professional emails: “Please consider my request.”
• Academic papers: “This study considers the effects of climate change.”
• Giving advice: “Consider taking a different approach.”
• Decision-making: “Before you decide, consider all the facts.”
• Persuasive arguments: “Consider the long-term consequences.”

Avoid ‘consider’ when you need to give a direct command, express a simple preference, or describe an immediate action. In those cases, choose a more direct verb.

Mini Practice: Using ‘consider’ Correctly

Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers, then check the explanations below.

Question 1

Which sentence is correct?
A) “I consider him as my best friend.”
B) “I consider him my best friend.”

Question 2

Fill in the blank: “Before you buy a car, you should _______ your budget.”

Question 3

Is this sentence correct? “Please consider about my application.”

Question 4

Rewrite this sentence using ‘consider’: “You should think about moving to a new city.”

Answers and Explanations

Answer 1: B is correct. Do not use ‘as’ after ‘consider’ in this structure.
Answer 2: “consider” (without ‘about’). The correct sentence is: “Before you buy a car, you should consider your budget.”
Answer 3: No. The correct version is: “Please consider my application.” Remove ‘about.’
Answer 4: “Consider moving to a new city.” This uses the gerund form after ‘consider.’

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘consider’

1. Can I use ‘consider’ with ‘that’?

Yes. For example: “I consider that the plan is too risky.” This is common in formal writing. However, in simpler sentences, you can omit ‘that’: “I consider the plan too risky.”

2. Is ‘consider’ always formal?

No. ‘Consider’ is neutral but leans formal. In casual conversation, native speakers often use “think about” instead. For example, “Think about joining us” sounds more natural than “Consider joining us” among close friends.

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

‘Consider’ focuses on careful thought, while ‘regard’ focuses on a specific viewpoint or feeling. For example: “I consider him a colleague” (based on work) vs. “I regard him as a friend” (based on personal feeling). ‘Regard’ almost always requires ‘as,’ while ‘consider’ usually does not.

4. Can ‘consider’ be used in negative sentences?

Yes. For example: “I do not consider that a valid argument.” This is a strong way to disagree politely. You can also say: “She never considered the consequences.”

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ in Your Writing

To master ‘consider,’ practice using it in different structures. Start with simple sentences: “Consider the facts.” Then move to more complex ones: “We must consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs.” Remember to avoid ‘consider as’ and ‘consider about.’ Use ‘consider’ when you want to show that you have given a topic serious thought. This will make your writing more precise and professional. For more help with sentence structure, explore our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions about other words, check our FAQ or contact us. Always follow our editorial policy for accurate learning.