Common Mistakes When Using ‘consider’ in a Sentence

The verb consider is often misused by English learners because it has a specific grammatical pattern that differs from similar verbs like think about or regard. The most common mistake is adding the preposition as after consider when it is not needed. For example, saying “I consider him as a friend” is incorrect in standard English; the correct form is “I consider him a friend.” This guide explains the correct structure, common errors, and how to use consider naturally in writing, conversation, and email.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’ Correctly

Use consider directly followed by a noun, an adjective, or a verb in the -ing form. Do not add as after consider when stating an opinion. For example:

• Correct: She considers the plan risky.
• Incorrect: She considers the plan as risky.
• Correct: We are considering moving to a new office.
• Incorrect: We are considering to move to a new office.

Understanding the Core Structure of ‘consider’

To use consider accurately, you need to know its three main patterns. Each pattern changes the meaning slightly, and mixing them up is a common source of errors.

Pattern 1: Consider + Noun Phrase (Opinion or Belief)

When you want to express an opinion or belief about something, use consider + noun phrase + noun phrase or adjective. This pattern does not use as.

• They consider the project a success. (noun phrase)
• I consider her highly qualified. (adjective)
• Most people consider this movie boring. (adjective)

Pattern 2: Consider + Gerund (Thinking About an Action)

When consider means “think about doing something,” it must be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). Never use the infinitive (to + verb) after consider in this context.

• He is considering changing his job.
• We considered renting a car instead of taking the train.
• Have you considered applying for the scholarship?

Pattern 3: Consider + That Clause (Formal Opinion)

In more formal writing or careful speech, you can use consider + that + clause. This is common in academic or professional contexts.

• The committee considers that the proposal needs revision.
• I consider that we have done enough research.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Below is a comparison table of the most frequent errors learners make with consider and the correct versions.

Natural Examples in Context

Here are examples of consider used naturally in different situations: everyday conversation, professional email, and formal writing.

Everyday Conversation

• “Do you consider yourself a patient person?”
• “I’m considering taking a cooking class next month.”
• “They consider their neighborhood safe.”
• “Have you considered talking to your manager about the issue?”

Professional Email

• “We consider your application strong and would like to invite you for an interview.”
• “Please consider this proposal before our meeting on Friday.”
• “The team is considering several options for the new software.”
• “I consider it important to address this concern immediately.”

Formal Writing

• “The study considers the effects of climate change on coastal regions.”
• “Historians consider this event a turning point in the war.”
• “The court considered that the evidence was insufficient.”

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes consider is not the best word choice. Here are alternatives for different contexts.

When to Use ‘regard’ Instead

If you want to use as naturally, use regard instead of consider. Regard always requires as.

• I regard him as a friend. (Correct)
• I consider him a friend. (Also correct, but no as)

When to Use ‘think about’ or ‘think of’

For less formal situations, think about or think of can replace consider when discussing options.

• I’m thinking about changing my job. (Informal)
• I’m considering changing my job. (Neutral to formal)

When to Use ‘evaluate’ or ‘assess’

In technical or analytical writing, evaluate or assess may be more precise than consider.

• The team will evaluate the risks. (More specific than “consider the risks”)
• We need to assess the situation carefully.

Nuances: Formal vs. Informal Tone

The word consider is generally neutral but leans toward formal. In casual speech, native speakers often use think or figure instead. For example:

• Formal: I consider this a reasonable solution.
• Informal: I think this is a reasonable solution.
• Very informal: I figure this works.

In email, consider is appropriate for polite requests: “Please consider my application.” Avoid using it in very casual text messages where it may sound stiff.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Complete each sentence with the correct form. Answers are below.

1. She is considering __________ (apply) for the job.
2. I consider this movie __________ (boring / as boring).
3. They considered __________ (to move / moving) to a bigger city.
4. We consider him __________ (as a leader / a leader).

Answers

1. applying
2. boring
3. moving
4. a leader

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ‘consider’ with ‘as’ in any situation?

No. In standard English, consider is not followed by as when expressing an opinion. However, in very formal or legal contexts, you may see “consider as” used differently, such as “The law considers this as theft.” This is rare and often considered outdated. For everyday use, avoid as after consider.

2. Is ‘consider to do’ ever correct?

No. Consider is never followed by the infinitive (to do). Always use the gerund (doing). This is a fixed rule in English grammar.

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

Consider does not take as; regard always takes as. For example: “I consider her talented” vs. “I regard her as talented.” Both are correct but follow different patterns.

4. Can I use ‘consider’ in the passive voice?

Yes. For example: “He is considered an expert in his field.” In passive sentences, consider still does not take as. “He is considered as an expert” is incorrect.

Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ Correctly

To avoid mistakes, remember these three rules:

• Never add as after consider when stating an opinion.
• Always use a gerund after consider when talking about an action.
• In formal writing, you can use that after consider for clarity.

Practice by writing your own sentences using each pattern. For more help with common usage errors, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also review Simple Sentence Examples for additional practice. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.