To consider something means to think about it carefully, especially before making a decision. It is a verb that shows you are giving attention to a fact, idea, or possibility. For example, if you say, “I will consider your offer,” you mean you will take time to think about it before saying yes or no. This word is common in both formal and informal English, and it often carries a sense of thoughtful evaluation.
Quick Answer
Consider = to think about something carefully, usually to decide or form an opinion. It can also mean to take something into account or to regard someone or something in a particular way.
Simple Meaning of Consider
At its core, consider is about using your mind to weigh options or facts. It is not the same as a quick thought. When you consider something, you pause and reflect. This can apply to big life choices, like considering a job offer, or small daily decisions, like considering which route to take to work.
Here are the two main ways consider is used:
- To think about a possibility: “We are considering moving to a new city.”
- To have a particular opinion about someone or something: “I consider her a close friend.”
Formal and Informal Tone
Consider is slightly more formal than words like think about or look at. In casual conversation, native speakers often say, “I’m thinking about it” instead of “I’m considering it.” However, consider is perfectly natural in both spoken and written English. It is common in emails, meetings, academic writing, and everyday talk.
| Context | Example with Consider | Example with Think About |
|---|---|---|
| Formal email | “Please consider my application.” | “Please think about my application.” (less common) |
| Casual chat | “I’m considering getting a dog.” | “I’m thinking about getting a dog.” (more natural) |
| Academic writing | “This study considers the effects of pollution.” | “This study looks at the effects of pollution.” (less precise) |
Comparison Table: Consider vs. Think About vs. Regard
| Word | Meaning | Example | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consider | Think carefully, often with a decision in mind | “I will consider your suggestion.” | Formal or neutral, decision-making |
| Think about | Have thoughts on something, not always deeply | “I’m thinking about the party.” | Casual, everyday conversation |
| Regard | View or see in a specific way | “I regard him as an expert.” | Formal, often with “as” |
Natural Examples
Here are real-life sentences using consider in different situations:
In Conversation
- “Have you considered taking a break? You look tired.”
- “I never considered that option before.”
- “She considered his advice carefully before replying.”
In Email or Writing
- “We kindly ask you to consider our proposal.”
- “Please consider the following points before making a decision.”
- “The committee will consider all applications by Friday.”
In Social Media or Text
- “Considering a new haircut – what do you think?”
- “Just considering my options right now.”
- “I consider this my favorite song of the year.”
Common Mistakes
English learners often make a few errors with consider. Here are the most frequent ones:
Mistake 1: Using “consider about”
Incorrect: “I am considering about buying a car.”
Correct: “I am considering buying a car.”
Consider is a transitive verb. It does not need the preposition “about.” You consider something, not consider about something.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the object
Incorrect: “I will consider.” (This is incomplete.)
Correct: “I will consider your idea.”
You need to say what you are considering. Without an object, the sentence feels unfinished.
Mistake 3: Using “consider to” + verb incorrectly
Incorrect: “I consider to go to the party.”
Correct: “I am considering going to the party.”
After consider, use a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).
Mistake 4: Confusing “consider” with “think”
Incorrect: “I consider you are right.”
Correct: “I think you are right.” or “I consider you to be right.”
When giving an opinion, consider often needs “to be” or “as.” “I consider him to be honest” is correct. “I consider he is honest” is not standard.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes you may want a different word to avoid repetition or to match the tone. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- 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 professional contexts. “We will evaluate your proposal.”
- Contemplate – Use for deep, serious thought. “She contemplated the meaning of the poem.”
- Take into account – Use when including a factor. “Please take my experience into account.”
When to Use Consider
Use consider when you want to sound thoughtful and deliberate. It is a safe choice for most situations, from emails to conversations. If you are speaking very casually, think about might sound more natural. In formal writing, consider is often the best word.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding of consider with these four questions. Answers are below.
- Fill in the blank: “Please ______ my request before you decide.”
- Is this sentence correct? “I am considering about your offer.”
- Choose the correct option: “She is considering (to study / studying) abroad.”
- Rewrite using consider: “I think he is a good leader.”
Answers
- “Please consider my request before you decide.”
- No. The correct form is “I am considering your offer.”
- “She is considering studying abroad.”
- “I consider him to be a good leader.” or “I consider him a good leader.”
FAQ
1. Can I use “consider” in casual texting?
Yes, but it sounds a little formal. In texts, people often say “thinking about” instead. For example, “I’m thinking about getting pizza” is more common than “I’m considering getting pizza.” Both are correct, but the first feels more natural in casual chat.
2. What is the difference between “consider” and “regard”?
Consider often involves thinking or deciding. Regard is more about how you see someone or something. For example, “I consider this a good idea” means you think it is good after thought. “I regard this as a good idea” means you view it that way, often without the same decision-making focus.
3. Is “consider” always followed by a noun or gerund?
Yes, almost always. You consider something (noun) or consider doing something (gerund). You do not say “consider to do.” For example, “I consider moving” is correct, but “I consider to move” is wrong.
4. Can “consider” mean “to be polite” or “to show respect”?
Not directly. However, when you say “consider someone’s feelings,” it means you think about their feelings to be kind. In this case, consider implies thoughtfulness. For example, “Please consider others before speaking” means be mindful and respectful.
Final Thoughts
Consider is a useful verb that shows careful thinking. It fits many situations, from serious decisions to everyday opinions. Remember to avoid “consider about,” use a gerund after it, and include an object. With practice, you will use it naturally in writing and conversation.
For more simple explanations of common English words, visit our Simple Meanings section. If you have questions, feel free to contact us. You can also read our Editorial Policy to learn how we create our guides.
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