How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence

The verb consider means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. It is one of the most useful words in English for expressing thought, opinion, and evaluation. You can use it in formal writing, everyday conversation, and professional emails. This guide will show you exactly how to use consider correctly, with clear examples and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’

Use consider + noun or consider + verb-ing. Do not use consider to do. For example:

• Correct: I will consider your offer.
• Correct: She is considering moving to a new city.
• Incorrect: She is considering to move to a new city.

You can also use consider + that + clause, especially in formal writing: We consider that the proposal is fair.

Basic Sentence Patterns for ‘consider’

Here are the three main patterns you need to know:

1. Consider + Noun

This is the simplest pattern. You consider a person, an idea, a plan, or a thing.

• Please consider my application.
• The committee will consider your suggestion.
• Have you considered the cost of the project?

2. Consider + Verb-ing (Gerund)

When you want to express thinking about doing an action, use the -ing form of the verb.

• We are considering buying a new car.
• He considered changing his job.
• They should consider hiring more staff.

3. Consider + That + Clause

This pattern is common in formal writing and professional contexts. It introduces a full idea or opinion.

• The board considers that the merger is beneficial.
• I consider that we have done enough research.
• She considers that the plan needs more work.

Formal vs. Informal Use of ‘consider’

The word consider is neutral but leans toward formal. In casual conversation, native speakers often use think about or think of instead. Here is a quick comparison:

In emails, consider sounds professional and polite. For example: I would appreciate it if you could consider my request. In conversation with friends, Are you thinking about joining us? sounds more natural than Are you considering joining us?

Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Sentences

Here are real-life examples you can use in your own writing and speaking:

Daily Life

• I am considering a new hobby like photography.
• Have you considered taking a different route to work?
• She considered every option before making a decision.
• We should consider the weather before planning the picnic.

Work and Business

• The manager will consider your request for a raise.
• We are considering expanding our business to Europe.
• Please consider the budget before proposing new projects.
• They considered several candidates for the position.

Academic and Formal Writing

• The study considers the effects of pollution on health.
• We consider that further research is necessary.
• Historians consider this event a turning point.
• The author considers multiple perspectives in the analysis.

Common Mistakes with ‘consider’

Even advanced learners make these errors. Here are the most frequent ones:

Mistake 1: Using ‘consider to do’

This is the most common mistake. Never say consider to do something.

• Incorrect: I am considering to study abroad.
• Correct: I am considering studying abroad.
• Incorrect: She considered to apply for the job.
• Correct: She considered applying for the job.

Mistake 2: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘consider as’

In most cases, you do not need as after consider. Use consider someone something directly.

• Incorrect: I consider him as a friend.
• Correct: I consider him a friend.
• Incorrect: They consider this as a problem.
• Correct: They consider this a problem.

Exception: You can use consider as when you mean regard as, but it is less common. Stick to the direct form for safety.

Mistake 3: Using ‘consider about’

Do not add about after consider. The verb already includes the idea of thinking.

• Incorrect: I am considering about your idea.
• Correct: I am considering your idea.
• Incorrect: We need to consider about the risks.
• Correct: We need to consider the risks.

Better Alternatives to ‘consider’

Sometimes you want a different word to match the tone or meaning. Here are useful alternatives:

Use think about in casual conversation. Use evaluate or weigh in business reports. Use contemplate for serious, long-term decisions.

When to Use ‘consider’

Use consider when you want to sound thoughtful, polite, or professional. It is especially good for:

• Making requests: Would you consider helping me with this project?
• Giving opinions: I consider this approach the most effective.
• Discussing options: We are considering several solutions.
• Showing respect: Please consider my point of view.

Avoid consider when you want to sound very casual or when the action is immediate. For example, if you are about to eat lunch, say I am thinking about having pizza, not I am considering having pizza.

Mini Practice: Test Yourself

Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. She is _______ a new job in London.
   a) considering to take
   b) considering taking
   c) consider taking
2. Please _______ my application carefully.
   a) consider about
   b) consider
   c) consider to
3. They _______ the project a success.
   a) consider as
   b) consider
   c) are considering about
4. I am _______ whether to accept the offer.
   a) considering
   b) consider to
   c) consider about

Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. b, 4. a

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The past tense is considered. Example: She considered the offer but decided to decline.

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

Always use the -ing form (gerund) after consider. Never use consider to do. Example: I am considering moving, not I am considering to move.

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

Consider means to think about or believe. Regard means to look at or view in a certain way. With regard, you need as: I regard him as a friend. With consider, you do not need as: I consider him a friend.

4. Can ‘consider’ be used in negative sentences?

Yes. Example: I do not consider that a good idea. Or: She is not considering any changes at this time.

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’

To master consider, remember these three rules:

1. Never say consider to do. Always use consider doing.
2. Do not add about or as unless you have a specific reason.
3. Use consider for formal and professional contexts. Use think about for casual conversation.

Practice by writing three sentences today using consider with different patterns. For more help with sentence structure, explore our Simple Sentence Examples or check our FAQ for common questions. If you have feedback, visit our Contact Us page.