The most common mistake with the verb “consider” is treating it like a verb that must be followed by “about” or “on,” as in “I considered about the idea.” This is incorrect. “Consider” is a transitive verb that takes a direct object without a preposition. You simply “consider something” or “consider doing something.” This guide will walk you through the correct usage, common errors, and how to use “consider” naturally in writing, email, and conversation.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘Consider’ Correctly
Use “consider” directly before a noun, a noun phrase, or a gerund (verb + -ing). Do not add a preposition like “about” or “on.”
- Correct: I considered the offer.
- Correct: She considered moving to a new city.
- Incorrect: I considered about the offer.
- Incorrect: She considered on moving to a new city.
In formal writing, you can also use “consider” with a “that” clause: “We consider that the proposal is fair.” In everyday conversation, the simpler structure is more common.
Understanding the Core Meaning
“Consider” means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. It implies a thoughtful evaluation, not just a quick thought. The nuance is important: you “consider” options, ideas, or possibilities, not facts you already know. For example, you consider a job offer, but you do not consider the time of day—you simply know it.
Common Mistake 1: Adding Unnecessary Prepositions
This is the most frequent error. Many learners add “about,” “on,” or “over” after “consider.”
Incorrect Examples
- I considered about your suggestion.
- He considered on the problem for hours.
- They considered over the options.
Correct Examples
- I considered your suggestion.
- He considered the problem for hours.
- They considered the options.
Why this happens: In many languages, the equivalent verb for “consider” is followed by a preposition. In English, “consider” is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. If you want to use a preposition, you need a different verb, such as “think about” or “reflect on.”
Common Mistake 2: Using ‘Consider’ with an Infinitive
Another common error is using “consider to do” instead of “consider doing.”
Incorrect
- I consider to apply for the job.
- She considered to change her major.
Correct
- I consider applying for the job.
- She considered changing her major.
Why this happens: Some verbs in English are followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), while others are followed by an infinitive (to + verb). “Consider” belongs to the gerund group, similar to “suggest,” “recommend,” and “avoid.”
Common Mistake 3: Confusing ‘Consider’ with ‘Consider As’
In formal English, “consider” can mean “to regard as.” In this case, you can say “consider someone something” without “as.” Using “as” is common in informal speech but is often considered less correct in formal writing.
Formal (Preferred in Writing)
- I consider her a friend.
- They consider the project a success.
Informal (Common in Conversation)
- I consider her as a friend.
- They consider the project as a success.
Nuance: In formal emails or academic writing, omit “as.” In casual conversation, “as” is widely accepted and sounds natural.
Comparison Table: ‘Consider’ vs. Common Alternatives
| Verb | Structure | Example | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consider | consider + noun/gerund | I considered the offer. | Neutral |
| Think about | think about + noun/gerund | I thought about the offer. | Informal |
| Reflect on | reflect on + noun | I reflected on the offer. | Formal |
| Contemplate | contemplate + noun/gerund | I contemplated the offer. | Formal |
| Weigh | weigh + noun | I weighed the options. | Neutral |
When to use it: Use “consider” when you want a neutral, direct verb for careful thought. Use “think about” in casual conversation. Use “reflect on” or “contemplate” for deeper, more serious thinking.
Natural Examples in Context
Everyday Conversation
- “I’m considering a new phone. Mine is too slow.”
- “Have you considered taking a break?”
- “She considered his advice before replying.”
Email and Professional Writing
- “Please consider my application for the position.”
- “We are considering several candidates for the role.”
- “The committee considered the budget proposal carefully.”
Academic or Formal Writing
- “The study considers the effects of climate change on coastal regions.”
- “One must consider both the benefits and drawbacks of the policy.”
- “The author considers this argument to be flawed.”
Better Alternatives for ‘Consider’
Sometimes “consider” is too vague or formal. Here are alternatives for specific contexts:
- For decisions: “Weigh,” “evaluate,” “assess.” Example: “We weighed the pros and cons.”
- For opinions: “Regard,” “view,” “deem.” Example: “I regard her as an expert.”
- For possibilities: “Entertain,” “contemplate.” Example: “He entertained the idea of moving abroad.”
- For analysis: “Examine,” “analyze.” Example: “The report examines the data.”
Common Mistakes at a Glance
- Mistake: “I considered about the plan.” Fix: “I considered the plan.”
- Mistake: “She considered to quit.” Fix: “She considered quitting.”
- Mistake: “They consider him as a leader.” Fix (formal): “They consider him a leader.”
- Mistake: “We considered on the issue.” Fix: “We considered the issue.”
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- I am _______ a career change.
A. considering about
B. considering
C. considering on - She _______ moving to another country.
A. considered to move
B. considered moving
C. considered about moving - In a formal email, which is better?
A. “Please consider my application.”
B. “Please consider about my application.”
C. “Please consider on my application.” - They _______ the project a failure.
A. considered as
B. considered
C. considered about
Answers
- B. “I am considering a career change.” No preposition needed.
- B. “She considered moving to another country.” Use gerund, not infinitive.
- A. “Please consider my application.” Direct object without preposition.
- B. “They considered the project a failure.” In formal writing, omit “as.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “consider” with “that”?
Yes. In formal writing, you can say “I consider that the proposal is acceptable.” This is correct but less common in everyday speech. In conversation, people usually say “I think the proposal is acceptable.”
2. Is “consider as” always wrong?
No. “Consider as” is widely used in informal English. However, in formal writing, it is better to omit “as.” For example, “I consider her a friend” is preferred over “I consider her as a friend” in academic or professional contexts.
3. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about”?
“Consider” is more deliberate and formal. “Think about” is casual and can mean a quick thought. For example, “I considered the job offer” implies careful evaluation, while “I thought about the job offer” could mean a brief reflection.
4. Can “consider” be used in the passive voice?
Yes. For example, “The proposal is being considered by the board.” This is common in formal and business English. The passive structure is “be considered” + by + agent.
Final Tips for Using ‘Consider’ Naturally
To use “consider” correctly, remember these three rules:
- Never add “about,” “on,” or “over” after “consider.”
- Use a gerund (verb + -ing) after “consider,” not an infinitive.
- In formal writing, omit “as” when using “consider” to mean “regard as.”
Practice by writing three sentences today using “consider” with a noun and three with a gerund. For more help with similar verbs, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. If you have questions, feel free to contact us. For more examples of correct sentence structures, visit our Simple Sentence Examples or Writing Sentence Examples pages. You can also check our FAQ for answers to common English questions.
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