How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’

Use consider + a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause starting with “that” or “whether.” Do not use consider + “to” + verb. Here are the three main patterns:

• Consider + noun: “Please consider my application.”
• Consider + gerund: “She considered moving to a new city.”
• Consider + that/whether clause: “We considered that the plan might fail.”

In informal conversation, you can also say “consider something as” but this is less common and often sounds wordy. Stick to the patterns above for natural English.

Understanding the Meaning and Tone

Consider is a neutral to formal verb. It fits well in professional emails, academic writing, and polite conversation. In casual talk, native speakers often use “think about” instead. For example:

• Formal/Email: “We will consider your request and respond by Friday.”
• Informal/Conversation: “I’m thinking about getting a new phone.”

The nuance of consider implies a thoughtful, deliberate process. It is stronger than “look at” but softer than “decide.” When you consider something, you are open to changing your mind based on what you learn.

Comparison Table: ‘consider’ vs. Similar Verbs

Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Sentences

Here are real-life examples organized by context. Read them aloud to get a feel for the rhythm.

Daily English Sentences

• “Please consider the traffic before you leave.”
• “I never considered that option.”
• “Have you considered taking a break?”
• “They considered the weather before planning the picnic.”

Simple Sentence Examples

• “She considered his advice.”
• “We considered the cost.”
• “He considered the problem.”
• “I considered the offer.”

Writing Sentence Examples

• “The author considered the reader’s perspective.”
• “In your essay, consider both sides of the argument.”
• “The report considers the impact of climate change.”
• “When writing an email, consider your tone.”

Email Context

• “Thank you for your application. We will consider it carefully.”
• “Please consider this proposal for the upcoming project.”
• “I would like you to consider my request for a deadline extension.”
• “After considering your feedback, we have made changes.”

Common Mistakes with ‘consider’

English learners often make these errors. Avoid them to sound more natural.

Mistake 1: Using ‘consider to’ + verb

Incorrect: “I consider to apply for the job.”
Correct: “I consider applying for the job.”
Why: After consider, use a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the object

Incorrect: “Please consider.” (This is incomplete.)
Correct: “Please consider my idea.”
Why: Consider is a transitive verb; it needs a direct object.

Mistake 3: Using ‘consider as’ too often

Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.” (Not wrong, but wordy.)
Better: “I consider him a friend.”
Why: In many cases, you can drop “as” and keep the meaning clear.

Mistake 4: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘regard’

Incorrect: “I regard moving to a new city.”
Correct: “I consider moving to a new city.”
Why: Regard usually needs “as” and means “view in a certain way,” not “think about doing.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes consider is not the best word. Here are alternatives for specific situations:

• Think about – Use in casual conversation: “I’ll think about it.”
• Look into – Use when researching: “We will look into the matter.”
• Take into account – Use when including factors: “Take the budget into account.”
• Reflect on – Use for deep thought: “She reflected on her past choices.”
• Contemplate – Use for serious, long-term thinking: “He contemplated a career change.”

When you want to sound polite and professional, consider is usually the safest choice. In emails, it shows respect for the reader’s time and opinion.

Mini Practice: 4 Questions

Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.

1. I ________ moving to a new apartment next month.
   a) consider to
   b) consider
   c) am considering
   Answer: c) am considering
2. Please ________ my suggestion before the meeting.
   a) consider
   b) consider to
   c) consider as
   Answer: a) consider
3. She ________ him a talented musician.
   a) considers
   b) considers as
   c) consider to
   Answer: a) considers
4. We need to ________ the risks involved.
   a) consider
   b) consider to
   c) consider about
   Answer: a) consider

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ‘consider’ in the past tense?

Yes. The past tense is considered. Example: “I considered your offer yesterday.” It follows the same grammar rules as the present tense.

2. Is ‘consider’ followed by ‘to’ or ‘ing’?

Use the gerund (verb + -ing). For example: “I consider studying abroad.” Never use “consider to study.” This is a common mistake among learners.

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

Consider is more formal and implies careful thought. Think about is casual and can mean a quick opinion. In business writing, use consider. In text messages, use think about.

4. Can I start a sentence with ‘consider’?

Yes, especially in instructions or advice. Example: “Consider the following points before you decide.” This is common in Writing Sentence Examples and professional guides.

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ Naturally

To master consider, practice these three steps:

1. Always ask yourself: “What am I considering?” The answer is your object (noun or gerund).
2. In formal writing, use consider to show respect and thoughtfulness.
3. In conversation, feel free to use “think about” for a more relaxed tone.

For more examples of how to use verbs correctly, visit our Simple Sentence Examples section. If you have questions about other verbs, check our FAQ page or read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.