What Does consider Mean in Text Messages?
In text messages, consider means “to think about something carefully before making a decision” or “to take something into account.” When someone texts you “I’ll consider it,” they are telling you they need time to think before giving a final answer. Unlike in formal writing, where consider often appears in longer sentences, in texting it is used to show hesitation, polite refusal, or genuine thought. The tone depends heavily on the context and the relationship between the people texting.
Quick Answer
Consider in texts means “think about” or “take into account.” It is a polite way to say you are not ready to decide yet. It can also mean “regard as” when describing how you view someone or something. For example:
- “I’ll consider your offer.” = I need time to think.
- “I consider her a friend.” = I view her as a friend.
How consider Is Used in Text Messages
In text conversations, consider appears in two main ways. First, it shows that someone is thinking about a suggestion, invitation, or request. Second, it expresses a personal opinion or judgment about a person or situation. Understanding which meaning is intended depends on the sentence structure and the surrounding words.
1. Thinking About a Decision
When someone texts “I will consider it,” they are often being polite but non-committal. This can mean they are genuinely interested but need time, or it can be a gentle way to say no without being direct. In casual texting, this phrase is common when someone is not ready to agree or disagree immediately.
2. Expressing an Opinion
When consider is followed by an object and a complement (like “I consider him reliable”), it means “I believe” or “I regard.” This usage is less common in very short texts but appears in longer messages or when someone is explaining their perspective.
Formal vs. Informal Tone in Texting
Text messages usually lean informal, but consider can sound slightly formal or neutral. Here is how tone changes:
| Context | Example Text | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Casual friend | “I’ll think about it.” | Informal, natural |
| Polite friend | “I’ll consider it.” | Neutral, slightly formal |
| Work colleague | “Please consider my proposal.” | Formal, professional |
| Romantic partner | “I consider you important to me.” | Serious, emotional |
In most everyday texts, native speakers prefer “think about” over “consider” because it sounds more natural. Using consider can make a message feel more careful or distant.
Natural Examples of consider in Text Messages
Here are realistic examples you might see in actual text conversations:
- Friend inviting you to a party: “Are you coming Saturday?”
Your reply: “I’ll consider it and let you know.” - Colleague asking for feedback: “Can you review my draft?”
Your reply: “Sure, I’ll consider your points.” - Someone asking for a favor: “Can you lend me $50?”
Your reply: “I need to consider my budget first.” - Describing a friend: “I consider her one of my closest friends.”
- After a disagreement: “Please consider my side before you decide.”
Common Mistakes with consider in Texts
English learners often make these errors when using consider in text messages:
Mistake 1: Using “consider to” instead of “consider + gerund”
Incorrect: “I consider to go to the party.”
Correct: “I consider going to the party.”
Consider is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Mistake 2: Confusing “consider” with “think about”
Incorrect: “I consider about your idea.”
Correct: “I consider your idea.” or “I think about your idea.”
Consider does not need the preposition “about.”
Mistake 3: Using “consider” too formally in casual texts
Incorrect: “I will consider your invitation to dinner.” (sounds stiff)
Better: “I’ll think about dinner. Thanks!”
Mistake 4: Forgetting that “consider” can mean “regard as”
Example: “I consider him a good teacher.” This is correct. But some learners write “I consider him as a good teacher.” While this is sometimes used, the “as” is unnecessary and can sound awkward in American English.
Better Alternatives to consider in Text Messages
Depending on what you want to say, you can replace consider with more natural phrases:
| Situation | Instead of “consider” | Natural alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Casual decision | I’ll consider it. | I’ll think about it. |
| Polite refusal | I’ll consider it. | I’m not sure yet. |
| Giving opinion | I consider him smart. | I think he’s smart. |
| Asking for thought | Please consider my idea. | Please think about my idea. |
When to Use consider in Texts
Use consider when you want to sound thoughtful, polite, or slightly formal. It works well in these situations:
- When you need to show you are taking something seriously.
- In professional or semi-formal text conversations with colleagues or clients.
- When you want to express a strong personal opinion about someone.
- When you are writing a longer text that explains your reasoning.
Avoid consider in very casual, fast-paced chats with close friends. Use “think about” or “check” instead.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the best option for each situation. Answers are below.
- Your friend texts: “Want to go hiking this weekend?” You need time. What do you reply?
a) I consider to go hiking.
b) I’ll consider it and text you back.
c) I consider about it. - You want to say you view your coworker as honest. Which is correct?
a) I consider him honest.
b) I consider him as honest.
c) I consider to him honest. - Your boss texts: “Please consider my proposal.” What does she mean?
a) She wants you to accept immediately.
b) She wants you to think about it carefully.
c) She wants you to ignore it. - Which sentence sounds most natural in a casual text?
a) I will consider your suggestion.
b) I’ll think about your suggestion.
c) I consider your suggestion.
Answers
- b) “I’ll consider it and text you back.” is polite and correct. Option a uses the wrong form (infinitive), and option c adds an unnecessary preposition.
- a) “I consider him honest.” is correct. Option b adds “as” which is not needed. Option c uses the wrong structure.
- b) She wants you to think about it carefully. “Consider” in this context means “think over,” not “accept.”
- b) “I’ll think about your suggestion.” is more natural for casual texting. Option a is correct but sounds formal. Option c is incomplete without context.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “consider” rude in a text message?
No, consider is not rude. It is polite and neutral. However, if you use it too often in casual conversations, it can sound distant or overly formal. In most cases, it is a safe and respectful word.
2. Can I use “consider” in a romantic text?
Yes, but it sounds serious. For example, “I consider you the most important person in my life” is very strong and emotional. For lighter romantic texts, use “think about” or “see.”
3. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about”?
Consider is slightly more formal and implies careful thought. Think about is more casual and can mean just having a thought, not necessarily a deep evaluation. In texting, think about is more common.
4. How do I respond if someone texts “I’ll consider it”?
You can say “Okay, let me know when you decide” or “Take your time.” If you want to be polite, you can add “I appreciate you thinking about it.” Avoid pushing for an immediate answer.
Final Tip for English Learners
When you text in English, pay attention to the relationship you have with the other person. Consider is a useful word, but it is not always the best choice. For everyday messages, “think about” or “check” will sound more natural. Save consider for situations where you want to show respect, seriousness, or careful thought. Practice by reading real text conversations and noticing how native speakers choose their words. Over time, you will develop a natural feel for when to use consider and when to use simpler alternatives.
For more help with understanding words in everyday communication, explore our Text and Chat Usage guides. If you have questions about this explanation, visit our FAQ or contact us. We also recommend reviewing our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these resources.
