Sentences with ‘consider’ for Better Writing
The verb consider is one of the most useful words for improving your writing in English. It means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision or forming an opinion. Using consider correctly helps you sound more thoughtful, professional, and precise in emails, essays, and everyday conversations. This guide gives you direct answers, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid so you can use consider with confidence.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’
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 with “that.” Do not use “to” after consider (incorrect: “consider to go”). Here are the three main patterns:
- consider + noun: “Please consider my proposal.”
- consider + gerund: “She considered moving to a new city.”
- consider + that clause: “We consider that the plan is feasible.”
Formal and Informal Uses of ‘consider’
Consider works in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone changes slightly. In formal writing, such as business emails or academic essays, consider shows careful thought. In informal conversation, it is still polite but less stiff.
Formal Contexts (Emails, Reports, Essays)
In formal writing, consider often appears with polite requests or objective analysis.
- “We kindly ask you to consider our revised offer.”
- “The committee will consider all applications before the deadline.”
- “Researchers consider this theory to be outdated.”
Informal Contexts (Conversations, Friendly Messages)
In everyday speech, consider is still natural but can be replaced by “think about” for a more casual feel.
- “I’m considering getting a new phone.”
- “Have you considered taking a break?”
- “Consider it done!” (idiom meaning “I will handle it.”)
Comparison Table: ‘consider’ vs. Similar Verbs
Understanding the nuance between consider and similar words helps you choose the right one.
| Verb | Meaning | Example | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consider | Think carefully about | “I consider your advice valuable.” | Formal or neutral, thoughtful evaluation |
| Think about | Have an opinion or reflect | “I think about you often.” | Informal, personal, or less structured |
| Regard | View in a certain way | “I regard him as a friend.” | Formal, often with “as” |
| Deem | Judge or consider formally | “The court deemed the contract valid.” | Very formal, legal or official |
| Weigh | Compare options | “We need to weigh the pros and cons.” | When balancing choices |
Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Writing
Here are real-life sentences that show how consider fits into different types of writing.
Business Email
“Dear Ms. Chen, please consider the attached proposal. We believe it addresses your requirements. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.”
Academic Writing
“Historians consider the Industrial Revolution a turning point in global economics.”
Everyday Conversation
“I’m considering whether to join the gym or just walk outside.”
Instructional Writing
“Before you submit your application, consider the following checklist.”
Common Mistakes with ‘consider’
Even advanced learners make these errors. Avoid them to sound more natural.
Mistake 1: Using ‘to’ after ‘consider’
Incorrect: “I consider to accept the offer.”
Correct: “I consider accepting the offer.”
Why: Consider is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
Mistake 2: Forgetting ‘as’ with ‘consider’
Incorrect: “They consider him a genius.” (This is actually correct in many cases, but careful: consider can be used without “as” when it means “believe to be.”)
Correct: “They consider him a genius.” OR “They consider him as a genius.” (Both are acceptable, but the version without “as” is more common in modern English.)
Note: With regard, you must use “as”: “They regard him as a genius.”
Mistake 3: Using ‘consider’ for physical actions
Incorrect: “I considered the book on the table.” (This means you thought about it, not looked at it.)
Correct: “I looked at the book on the table.”
Why: Consider is for mental evaluation, not physical observation.
Better Alternatives to ‘consider’
Sometimes you need a different word to match the tone or meaning. Here are alternatives with examples.
- Evaluate (formal, analytical): “We need to evaluate the risks before proceeding.”
- Contemplate (deep, thoughtful): “She contemplated a career change for months.”
- Examine (detailed look): “The report examines the impact of climate change.”
- Take into account (consider with factors): “Please take into account the budget limitations.”
- Ponder (thoughtful, slightly literary): “He pondered the meaning of the poem.”
When to Use ‘consider’ vs. ‘think about’
Use consider when you want to sound more deliberate or professional. Use think about for casual, personal, or less formal situations. For example:
- “I’m thinking about what to eat for dinner.” (casual)
- “The board will consider your proposal.” (formal)
In writing, consider is almost always the better choice because it adds weight to your statement.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct form of consider or choose the best option.
- Please ____ (consider / consider to) my application carefully.
- She is ____ (considering / considered) a change in her career.
- We ____ (consider / are considering) that the project is on track.
- ____ (Consider / Think about) the consequences before you act.
Answers:
- consider (correct: “consider my application”)
- considering (correct: “is considering a change”)
- consider (correct: “We consider that the project is on track”)
- Consider (both are possible, but “Consider” is more formal and direct)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘consider’ with ‘to’?
No. Consider is never followed by “to” + verb. Use a gerund instead: “I consider going” not “I consider to go.”
2. Is ‘consider as’ correct?
Yes, but it is less common. “I consider him as a friend” is acceptable, though “I consider him a friend” is more natural in modern English. With regard, you must use “as.”
3. What is the difference between ‘consider’ and ‘regard’?
Consider implies careful thought or evaluation. Regard means to view or think of someone or something in a particular way, often with “as.” Example: “I consider the plan risky” (I think it is risky after evaluation). “I regard him as an expert” (I view him that way).
4. Can ‘consider’ be used in the passive voice?
Yes. For example: “The proposal is being considered by the committee.” This is common in formal writing.
Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ in Your Writing
To write better sentences with consider, remember these three rules:
- Always use a noun or gerund after consider, never “to.”
- Use consider in formal writing to show careful thought.
- When in doubt, consider is almost always a safe, professional choice.
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