How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence

To use consider correctly in a sentence, you generally mean “to think about something carefully before making a decision or forming an opinion.” It is a transitive verb, which means it almost always needs an object. You consider something or someone. For example: “Please consider my application.” The word is flexible enough to work in formal writing, casual conversation, and professional emails, but it has specific grammatical patterns you need to follow to sound natural.

Quick Answer: The Core Rules

• Structure: Subject + consider + object (noun, pronoun, or gerund). Example: “She considered the offer.”
• Gerund after consider: Use the -ing form of a verb, not the infinitive. Correct: “He considered moving to Canada.” Incorrect: “He considered to move to Canada.”
• Consider + as: In most everyday sentences, avoid “consider as.” Just say “consider + noun.” Example: “I consider her a friend.” (Not “I consider her as a friend,” though this is sometimes seen in very formal writing.)
• Consider + that clause: You can use “consider that” to introduce a full idea. Example: “We must consider that the budget is limited.”

Understanding the Tone and Context

Consider is a neutral to formal word. It fits naturally in business emails, academic writing, and polite requests. In casual conversation, native speakers often use “think about” instead, but “consider” is still common when the speaker wants to sound thoughtful or serious.

• Formal/Email: “We kindly ask you to consider our proposal.”
• Informal/Conversation: “I’m considering getting a new phone.”
• Nuance: “Consider” implies a deeper, more deliberate thought process than “think about.” If you say “I’ll consider it,” you are promising to give the matter real attention, not just a quick glance.

Comparison Table: ‘Consider’ vs. Common Alternatives

Natural Examples in Different Contexts

Everyday Conversation

• “I’m considering a career change.”
• “Have you considered taking the train instead of driving?”
• “She considered his advice before making a decision.”

Professional Emails

• “We are considering your application and will respond within a week.”
• “Please consider the attached proposal at your earliest convenience.”
• “The committee will consider all feedback before the final vote.”

Writing and Academic Contexts

• “The author considers the impact of climate change on coastal cities.”
• “One must consider both sides of the argument.”
• “This study considers the role of social media in modern education.”

Common Mistakes with ‘Consider’

Mistake 1: Using the Infinitive After ‘Consider’

Incorrect: “I consider to go to the party.”
Correct: “I consider going to the party.”
Why: The verb “consider” is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), not the infinitive (to + verb). This is a fixed rule in English grammar.

Mistake 2: Adding ‘As’ Unnecessarily

Incorrect: “I consider him as a good leader.”
Correct: “I consider him a good leader.”
Why: In standard English, “consider” directly links the subject to the complement. Adding “as” is redundant in most cases, though it appears in some older or very formal texts.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Object

Incorrect: “I will consider.” (This sounds incomplete.)
Correct: “I will consider your offer.”
Why: “Consider” is a transitive verb. It needs an object to complete the meaning. If you want to leave it vague, use “I’ll think about it.”

Mistake 4: Confusing ‘Consider’ with ‘Considerate’

Incorrect: “He is a very consider person.”
Correct: “He is a very considerate person.”
Why: “Consider” is a verb. “Considerate” is an adjective meaning thoughtful of others. They are different parts of speech.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

While “consider” is a strong word, sometimes a more specific verb fits better.

• If you are comparing options: Use “weigh” or “evaluate.” Example: “We need to weigh the costs.”
• If you are thinking about the future: Use “plan to” or “intend to.” Example: “I plan to apply for the job.”
• If you are including something in your reasoning: Use “take into account.” Example: “Take the deadline into account.”
• If you are judging something: Use “regard” or “view.” Example: “I regard this as a success.”

Use “consider” when you want to sound deliberate, respectful, or formal. In casual speech, “think about” is often more natural.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Complete each sentence with the correct form of “consider” or choose the right option.

1. She is ________ (consider) a new job offer.
2. Please ________ (consider / consider to) my application carefully.
3. I ________ (consider / consider as) him my closest friend.
4. We must ________ (consider / consider that) the project might take longer than expected.

Answers

1. considering – “She is considering a new job offer.” (Present continuous tense)
2. consider – “Please consider my application carefully.” (Imperative form, no “to”)
3. consider – “I consider him my closest friend.” (No “as” needed)
4. consider that – “We must consider that the project might take longer than expected.” (Full clause)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ‘consider’ with a question word?

Yes. You can say “I am considering whether to accept the offer” or “We need to consider how to proceed.” This is a natural and common structure.

2. Is ‘consider’ always formal?

No, but it leans formal. In casual conversation, “think about” is more common. However, “consider” is perfectly fine in everyday speech when you want to sound thoughtful. For example, “I’m considering a new hobby” sounds natural.

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

“Consider” means to think about something carefully. “Regard” means to look at or view something in a particular way. You often use “regard as” (e.g., “I regard him as a friend”), while “consider” usually drops the “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 and business writing.

Final Tips for Using ‘Consider’ Naturally

To master this word, practice these three patterns:

• Consider + noun: “Consider the consequences.”
• Consider + gerund: “Consider applying early.”
• Consider + that clause: “Consider that the deadline is tomorrow.”

Avoid the common errors of adding “to” or unnecessary “as.” When in doubt, ask yourself: “Am I thinking about something carefully?” If yes, “consider” is likely the right word. For more help with everyday word usage, explore our Simple Sentence Examples or check our FAQ for common questions. If you have a specific usage question, feel free to contact us. We also recommend reading our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.