In text messages, consider means to think carefully about something, often before making a decision or forming an opinion. When someone texts you “I’ll consider it,” they are saying they will think about your suggestion, request, or idea, but they are not promising to agree. It is a polite way to show they are open to the possibility without giving a definite yes or no. The word carries a tone of thoughtful evaluation, not immediate action.
Quick Answer: consider in Texting
If you see consider in a text, the sender is asking for time to think. It is not a rejection, but it is also not a commitment. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Meaning: Think about something carefully before deciding.
- Tone: Polite, neutral, or slightly formal.
- Common use: Responding to invitations, proposals, or requests.
- Example: “I will consider your offer and let you know.”
How consider Is Used in Text Messages
Text messaging often shortens language, but consider remains a full, deliberate word. It is not a casual slang term. People use it when they want to show respect for the other person’s idea while keeping their options open. Below are the main ways it appears in texts.
1. Responding to an Invitation or Suggestion
When someone invites you to an event or suggests a plan, replying with “I’ll consider it” means you are not ready to say yes or no. It is a soft way to avoid an immediate answer.
Example text: “We are going hiking this Saturday. Want to join?”
Reply: “Sounds fun. I’ll consider it and text you tomorrow.”
2. Discussing a Purchase or Offer
In shopping or business contexts, consider signals that you are evaluating the value or terms before committing.
Example text: “I can sell you my laptop for $400.”
Reply: “Let me consider it. I need to check my budget first.”
3. Giving a Polite Decline
Sometimes consider is used as a gentle way to say no without being rude. The person may have already decided, but they use the word to soften the message.
Example text: “Can you help me move this weekend?”
Reply: “I will consider it, but I am very busy right now.”
4. Asking for Someone’s Opinion
You can also use consider to ask someone to think about your perspective.
Example text: “Please consider my side before you decide.”
Formal vs. Informal Tone in Texts
The word consider leans toward the formal side in texting. Most casual conversations use shorter words like “think about it,” “see,” or “check.” Here is a comparison:
| Context | Formal Text | Informal Text |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation | “I will consider your invitation.” | “I’ll think about it.” |
| Request | “Please consider my request.” | “Can you check?” |
| Offer | “I need to consider the offer.” | “Let me see.” |
| Opinion | “Consider what I said.” | “Think about it.” |
Use consider in texts when you want to sound respectful, professional, or serious. Use simpler phrases with close friends or in very casual chats.
Email vs. Text: Different Nuances
In emails, consider is very common and often used in formal requests or proposals. In texts, it is less frequent but still appropriate. The main difference is the level of urgency. In an email, “I will consider your proposal” might mean you will review it over a few days. In a text, it often means you will reply soon, maybe within hours.
Email example: “Thank you for your application. We will carefully consider your qualifications and get back to you within two weeks.”
Text example: “Got your message. I’ll consider it and reply tonight.”
Notice that the text version is shorter and promises a quicker response. The email version is more formal and leaves room for a longer process.
Natural Examples of consider in Text Messages
Here are realistic text exchanges that show how consider works in everyday conversation.
Example 1: Friend making plans
Person A: “Do you want to go to the concert next Friday?”
Person B: “I need to consider my work schedule first. I’ll let you know by Wednesday.”
Example 2: Colleague asking for help
Person A: “Can you cover my shift on Sunday?”
Person B: “Let me consider it. I have a family thing that day.”
Example 3: Online seller and buyer
Person A: “I can lower the price to $50.”
Person B: “Okay, I will consider it and message you back.”
Example 4: Romantic context
Person A: “I think we should take a break.”
Person B: “Please consider how I feel before you decide.”
Common Mistakes with consider in Texts
English learners often make small errors when using consider. Here are the most frequent ones and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “consider about”
Incorrect: “I will consider about your idea.”
Correct: “I will consider your idea.”
Why: Consider is a transitive verb. It does not need the preposition “about.” Just say “consider + noun.”
Mistake 2: Using “consider to do”
Incorrect: “I consider to go to the party.”
Correct: “I am considering going to the party.” or “I will consider going to the party.”
Why: After consider, use a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).
Mistake 3: Using “consider” for immediate decisions
Incorrect: “I consider your offer right now. Yes, I accept.”
Correct: “I have considered your offer and I accept.”
Why: Consider implies a process of thinking. If you decide immediately, use “have considered” (past tense) or “accept” directly.
Mistake 4: Overusing “consider” in casual texts
Incorrect: “Hey, consider if you want pizza or burgers.”
Better: “Hey, think about pizza or burgers.”
Why: Consider sounds too formal for very simple choices between friends. Use “think about” or “decide” instead.
Better Alternatives to consider in Texts
Depending on the situation, you might choose a different word or phrase. Here are some alternatives and when to use them.
- Think about it – Best for casual conversations with friends. Example: “I’ll think about it and call you.”
- Look into it – Good when you need to research or check something. Example: “Let me look into it and get back to you.”
- Weigh my options – Useful when comparing choices. Example: “I need to weigh my options before I decide.”
- Give it some thought – Similar to consider but slightly more natural in speech. Example: “I’ll give it some thought tonight.”
- Check – Very informal and short. Example: “Let me check my schedule.”
When to Use consider in a Text
Use consider when you want to sound polite, respectful, or serious. It works well in these situations:
- Responding to a boss or teacher.
- Talking about money or important decisions.
- Showing that you value someone’s idea.
- Buying or selling something.
- Discussing relationship issues.
Avoid consider when the decision is very simple, like choosing a movie or a restaurant. In those cases, “think about” or “decide” is more natural.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Read each question and choose the best answer. Check your answers below.
Question 1: Which sentence is correct?
A) I will consider about your suggestion.
B) I will consider your suggestion.
C) I will consider to your suggestion.
Question 2: Your friend texts: “Do you want to see a movie tonight?” What is a natural reply using consider?
A) “I consider movies.”
B) “Let me consider it and text you back.”
C) “I consider to go.”
Question 3: Which word is a good informal alternative to consider?
A) Contemplate
B) Think about
C) Deliberate
Question 4: You are selling your phone. A buyer texts: “I will consider your price.” What does this mean?
A) They accept the price.
B) They reject the price.
C) They need time to decide.
Answers:
1. B
2. B
3. B
4. C
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “consider” a formal word in texting?
Yes, it is more formal than “think about.” Use it in texts when you want to sound polite or serious, but not with very close friends for simple topics.
2. Can I use “consider” in a group chat?
Yes, but it may sound a bit stiff. In group chats, people often use shorter phrases like “I’ll see” or “Let me check.” Use consider if the topic is important, like planning a trip or making a group purchase.
3. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about”?
They are very similar, but consider is slightly more formal and often implies deeper thought. “Think about” is more common in everyday speech and texting.
4. How do I reply if someone says “I will consider it”?
You can say “Okay, let me know when you decide” or “Take your time.” Do not pressure them for an immediate answer, because consider means they need time.
Final Tip for English Learners
When you text in English, match your word choice to the situation. Use consider for important or polite messages. For quick, casual chats, choose simpler words. Practice by writing a few texts using consider and then rewriting them with informal alternatives. This will help you feel more natural in both formal and casual conversations.
For more guides on understanding words in text messages, visit our Text and Chat Usage section. If you have questions about how we write our guides, see our Editorial Policy or FAQ page.
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