Sentences with ‘consider’ for Better Writing

If you want to improve your writing, the verb consider is one of the most useful words you can master. It means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. In writing, consider helps you express thoughtfulness, analysis, and respect for different viewpoints. This guide will show you exactly how to use consider in sentences, with practical examples for emails, essays, and everyday conversation.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘Consider’ in a Sentence

Use consider when you want to say “think about” or “take into account.” It is followed by a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause starting with “that.” For example:

• Please consider my proposal. (noun)
• We should consider moving the deadline. (gerund)
• I consider that the plan is too risky. (clause)

In formal writing, consider sounds more professional than “think about.” In casual conversation, it is still natural but slightly more deliberate.

Formal vs. Informal Tone with ‘Consider’

The word consider works in both formal and informal contexts, but the structure changes slightly.

Formal Writing and Emails

In business emails, academic papers, or official documents, consider shows careful thought. Use it with nouns or gerunds to sound polite and professional.

• We kindly ask you to consider our revised offer.
• The committee will consider all applications before Friday.
• Please consider the long-term effects of this decision.

Informal Conversation and Notes

In everyday speech, consider is still common but often replaced by “think about” for a lighter tone. However, using consider can make your point sound more thoughtful.

• Have you considered taking a different route?
• I consider her a close friend.
• We should consider what he said.

Comparison Table: ‘Consider’ vs. Similar Verbs

Natural Examples of ‘Consider’ in Sentences

Here are real-life sentences that show how consider is used in different situations.

In Emails

• Dear Team, please consider the attached budget for next quarter.
• I would appreciate it if you could consider my request for a flexible schedule.
• After careful review, we consider your proposal to be the strongest.

In Academic Writing

• This study will consider the effects of climate change on coastal cities.
• Researchers consider this theory to be outdated.
• We must consider both the benefits and limitations of the experiment.

In Everyday Conversation

• Have you ever considered learning a new language?
• I consider myself lucky to have such good friends.
• She considered every option before making a choice.

Common Mistakes with ‘Consider’

Even advanced learners make errors with consider. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using ‘Consider’ with ‘About’

Incorrect: I am considering about your offer.
Correct: I am considering your offer.

Explanation: Consider is a transitive verb. It does not need a preposition like “about.” Just put the object directly after it.

Mistake 2: Using ‘Consider’ with ‘To’ + Verb

Incorrect: We consider to move to a new office.
Correct: We consider moving to a new office.

Explanation: After consider, use a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).

Mistake 3: Confusing ‘Consider’ with ‘Consider As’

Incorrect: I consider him as a friend.
Correct: I consider him a friend.

Explanation: In most cases, you do not need “as” after consider. The structure is: consider + object + noun/adjective. For example: “I consider the plan risky.”

Mistake 4: Using ‘Consider’ Too Casually

Incorrect: I considered eating pizza for dinner. (This is fine, but sounds overly formal for a simple decision.)
Better: I thought about eating pizza for dinner.

Explanation: Consider implies careful thought. For minor daily choices, “think about” is more natural.

Better Alternatives to ‘Consider’

Sometimes you need a different word to express a specific nuance. Here are strong alternatives and when to use them.

When to Use ‘Consider’

• When you want to sound thoughtful and professional.
• When discussing options, proposals, or decisions.
• When expressing an opinion about someone or something (e.g., “I consider her an expert”).

When to Use Alternatives

• Think about: Use in casual conversation or quick decisions. “I’ll think about it.”
• Contemplate: Use for deep, prolonged thought. “She contemplated the meaning of the poem.”
• Evaluate: Use when judging quality or value. “We need to evaluate the candidates.”
• Weigh: Use when comparing pros and cons. “He weighed the risks before investing.”
• Regard: Use to express a specific opinion. “I regard this as a serious issue.”

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Complete each sentence with the correct form of consider or a suitable alternative.

Question 1: Before accepting the job, you should _______ the salary and benefits.
Answer: consider

Question 2: I _______ him to be one of the best writers I know.
Answer: consider

Question 3: She _______ moving to another country for a year.
Answer: considered

Question 4: We need to _______ the data before making a final decision.
Answer: evaluate (or consider)

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Consider’

1. Can I use ‘consider’ at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes. For example: “Consider the following points before you reply.” This is common in instructions and formal writing.

2. Is ‘consider’ followed by a gerund or infinitive?

Always use a gerund (verb + -ing). For example: “We are considering expanding the team.” Never say “consider to expand.”

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

Consider means to think about or have an opinion. Regard means to look at or view in a particular way. For example: “I consider her a friend” (opinion). “I regard her as a friend” (view). Both are correct, but regard often needs “as.”

4. Can ‘consider’ be used in passive voice?

Yes. For example: “The proposal is being considered by the board.” This is common in formal writing.

Final Tips for Using ‘Consider’ in Your Writing

To use consider effectively, remember these three rules:

• Do not add “about” after consider.
• Use a gerund (verb + -ing) after consider, not an infinitive.
• Use consider for thoughtful, deliberate situations, not for quick daily choices.

Practice by writing three sentences with consider today. Try one for an email, one for a conversation, and one for an essay. With regular use, it will become a natural part of your vocabulary.

For more help with writing clear and effective sentences, explore our Writing Sentence Examples section. If you have questions about other words, check our FAQ or contact us. We also cover Common Usage Mistakes to help you avoid errors like the ones in this guide.