To use consider correctly, you must understand that it means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. It is a transitive verb, which means it always needs an object. You cannot say “I am considering” without saying what you are considering. The correct structure is consider + noun/gerund or consider + question word. For example: “We are considering your proposal” or “She considered moving to a new city.” Avoid the common error of using “consider about” or “consider to do.” This guide will show you exactly how to use this word in real situations.
Quick Answer: How to Use consider
Use consider when you want to express that you are thinking about something carefully. Here are the three main patterns:
- consider + noun: “Please consider my application.”
- consider + gerund (-ing form): “He considered changing jobs.”
- consider + question word: “We need to consider how this will affect the team.”
Never say “consider about” or “consider to do.” These are the most common mistakes learners make.
Understanding the Meaning of consider
The core meaning of consider is to think about something with attention and care. It is stronger than just “think about” because it implies a thoughtful evaluation. You use it when you are weighing options, forming an opinion, or taking something into account.
There are two main uses:
- To think about a possibility: “I am considering studying abroad next year.”
- To have a particular opinion about someone or something: “I consider her a close friend.”
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Consider is slightly formal. In casual conversation, native speakers often use “think about” or “thinking of” instead. For example:
- Formal (email): “We are considering your request carefully.”
- Informal (chat): “I’m thinking about getting a new phone.”
However, using consider in conversation is not wrong. It just sounds more careful and deliberate.
Comparison: consider vs. think about vs. regard
Many learners confuse these words. Here is a simple comparison table to help you choose the right one.
| Word | Meaning | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| consider | Think carefully about something, often before a decision | “We are considering your offer.” | Formal / deliberate |
| think about | Have an opinion or idea about something; less deep | “I’m thinking about what to eat.” | Informal / everyday |
| regard | View or judge someone/something in a particular way | “I regard him as an expert.” | Formal / opinion-based |
Use consider when you are evaluating options. Use think about for casual thoughts. Use regard when expressing a fixed opinion.
Natural Examples of consider in Context
Here are examples showing how consider is used in different situations. Pay attention to the structure after the verb.
In Email and Writing
- “Please consider my proposal before the meeting.”
- “We will consider all applications received by Friday.”
- “I consider this matter to be very important.”
In Conversation
- “Are you considering buying a house?”
- “I never considered that option.”
- “Consider the consequences before you act.”
In Social Media and Chat
- “Considering a new profile picture. Thoughts?”
- “I’m considering whether to post this or not.”
- “Honestly, I don’t consider that a good idea.”
Common Mistakes with consider
Even advanced learners make these errors. Here are the most frequent ones and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “consider about”
Incorrect: “I am considering about your suggestion.”
Correct: “I am considering your suggestion.”
Why: Consider is a transitive verb. It does not need a preposition like “about.” Just put the object directly after it.
Mistake 2: Using “consider to do”
Incorrect: “She considered to move to London.”
Correct: “She considered moving to London.”
Why: After consider, use a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).
Mistake 3: Confusing “consider” with “regard as”
Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.”
Correct: “I consider him a friend.” OR “I regard him as a friend.”
Why: With consider, you do not need “as.” With regard, you must use “as.”
Mistake 4: Using “consider” without an object
Incorrect: “I will consider and let you know.” (vague)
Correct: “I will consider your offer and let you know.”
Why: Always state what you are considering. The listener needs to know the object.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes consider is not the best word. Here are alternatives for different contexts.
| Situation | Better Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Casual thinking | think about | “I’m thinking about going to the park.” |
| Looking at all sides | weigh | “We need to weigh the pros and cons.” |
| Taking into account | take into account | “We must take your experience into account.” |
| Judging someone | regard | “I regard her as a mentor.” |
| Deciding after thought | evaluate | “Let’s evaluate the results first.” |
Use consider when you want to sound careful and formal. Use think about for everyday speech. Use weigh or evaluate when comparing options in a business or academic setting.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Try these four questions. The answers are below.
Question 1: Which sentence is correct?
A) “I am considering to buy a car.”
B) “I am considering buying a car.”
Question 2: Fill in the blank: “Please ______ the impact of your decision.”
A) consider about
B) consider
Question 3: Is this sentence correct? “I consider him as a good leader.”
A) Yes
B) No
Question 4: Which is more formal?
A) “I’m thinking about your proposal.”
B) “I am considering your proposal.”
Answers:
- Answer 1: B) “I am considering buying a car.” (Use gerund, not infinitive.)
- Answer 2: B) “Please consider the impact of your decision.” (No preposition needed.)
- Answer 3: B) No. Correct: “I consider him a good leader.” (No “as” after consider.)
- Answer 4: B) “I am considering your proposal.” (More formal than “thinking about.”)
Frequently Asked Questions about consider
1. Can I use “consider” in the middle of a sentence?
Yes. For example: “We should consider all options before deciding.” It works naturally in any position where a verb is needed.
2. Is “consider” always followed by a gerund?
Not always. It can be followed by a noun (“consider the facts”) or a question word (“consider how to proceed”). But when followed by a verb, use the gerund form.
3. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about”?
Consider is more deliberate and formal. Think about is more casual and can mean a quick thought. For example: “I considered your offer for two days” (careful thought) vs. “I thought about your offer for a moment” (quick thought).
4. Can I use “consider” in negative sentences?
Yes. For example: “I don’t consider that a good idea.” The structure stays the same: consider + object.
Final Tips for Using consider Correctly
To master consider, remember these three rules:
- No preposition: Never say “consider about.”
- Gerund after verb: Use “consider doing,” not “consider to do.”
- No “as” for opinions: Say “consider someone something,” not “consider someone as something.”
Practice by writing three sentences today using consider in different patterns. For more help with common English words, visit our Examples and Common Mistakes section. If you have questions, feel free to contact us. We are here to support your learning journey.
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