How to Use consider Correctly: Meaning, Examples, and Mistakes

The verb consider means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. It is one of the most useful words in English, but learners often misuse it by adding unnecessary prepositions or using it in the wrong context. This guide explains the correct meaning, shows you how to use it in real sentences, highlights common mistakes, and gives you practice to use it with confidence.

Quick Answer: What Does consider Mean?

Consider means to think about something carefully, to take something into account, or to have a particular opinion about someone or something. It is a transitive verb, which means it must have a direct object. You do not need a preposition like “about” after it.

• Correct: I will consider your offer.
• Incorrect: I will consider about your offer.

Use consider when you want to show that you are giving thought to an idea, a person, a plan, or a possibility. It is common in both formal and informal English, but the structure changes slightly depending on the situation.

Formal vs. Informal Use of consider

Formal Context (Email, Business, Academic Writing)

In formal writing, consider is often followed by a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause. It sounds professional and measured.

• We kindly ask you to consider our proposal.
• The committee will consider extending the deadline.
• Please consider whether this plan is feasible.

Informal Context (Conversation, Text, Chat)

In everyday conversation, consider is still common but can sound slightly formal. Native speakers often use shorter alternatives like “think about” or “look at” in casual talk. However, using consider in speech is perfectly fine and shows a careful tone.

• I’m considering a new job.
• Have you considered taking a break?
• Consider this: what if we leave early?

Comparison Table: consider vs. Common Alternatives

Natural Examples of consider in Real Contexts

These examples show how consider is used in everyday situations, from emails to casual chats.

• Email to a colleague: “Please consider my request for additional resources.”
• Text to a friend: “I’m considering going to the concert. You?”
• Social media post: “Before you judge, consider their side of the story.”
• Study note: “When writing an essay, consider your audience first.”
• Customer service chat: “We will consider your feedback and get back to you.”

Common Mistakes with consider

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

Mistake 1: Adding “about” after consider

This is the most common error. Consider is a transitive verb and does not need “about.”

• Incorrect: I am considering about moving to a new city.
• Correct: I am considering moving to a new city.

Mistake 2: Using “to” after consider

Do not use “to + verb” after consider. Use a gerund (verb + -ing) instead.

• Incorrect: She considered to change her job.
• Correct: She considered changing her job.

Mistake 3: Confusing consider with “regard as”

When you mean “have an opinion,” use consider without “as.” Use “regard as” or “consider to be” in very formal writing, but “consider” alone is fine.

• Incorrect: I consider him as a good leader.
• Correct: I consider him a good leader.
• Also correct (very formal): I consider him to be a good leader.

Mistake 4: Using consider for quick decisions

Consider implies careful thought. Do not use it for instant choices.

• Awkward: I considered which coffee to order and chose a latte.
• Better: I thought about which coffee to order and chose a latte.

When to Use consider and Better Alternatives

Knowing when to use consider and when to choose another word will make your English sound more natural.

Use consider when:

• You want to sound thoughtful and deliberate.
• You are writing a formal email, report, or academic paper.
• You are talking about a serious decision or plan.
• You want to show respect for someone’s opinion or situation.

Better alternatives in casual or specific situations:

• Think about – for everyday, casual decisions: “I’ll think about it.”
• Look at – for examining options: “Let’s look at the numbers.”
• Weigh – for comparing pros and cons: “We need to weigh the risks.”
• Factor in – for including a specific element: “Don’t forget to factor in the tax.”
• Contemplate – for deep, prolonged thought (very formal): “He contemplated the meaning of life.”

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding of consider

Complete each sentence with the correct form of consider or choose the right word. Answers are below.

1. I am ___________ (consider / considering about) applying for a scholarship.
2. She ___________ (considered / considered to) moving abroad last year.
3. We should ___________ (consider / consider about) all the options before deciding.
4. They ___________ (consider / consider as) her the best candidate.

Answers

1. I am considering applying for a scholarship. (No “about”)
2. She considered moving abroad last year. (No “to”)
3. We should consider all the options before deciding. (No “about”)
4. They consider her the best candidate. (No “as”)

Frequently Asked Questions about consider

1. Can I use “consider” with a question word like “whether”?

Yes. You can say “consider whether” or “consider if” when you are thinking about two or more possibilities. Example: “We need to consider whether this plan will work.” This is common in formal writing and speech.

2. Is “consider” the same as “think about”?

Not exactly. Consider is more deliberate and careful. “Think about” is broader and can mean having an opinion or idea. For example, “I think about you often” is about feelings, not careful decision-making. Use consider when you want to show serious thought.

3. Can I say “I consider you my friend”?

Yes, this is correct. It means “I have the opinion that you are my friend.” Do not add “as” here. You can also say “I consider you to be my friend,” but that is more formal.

4. What is the noun form of “consider”?

The noun form is consideration. Example: “After careful consideration, we decided to accept the offer.” The adjective form is considerate, which means thoughtful of others, but be careful not to confuse it with the verb.

Final Tips for Using consider Correctly

To master consider, remember these three rules:

• Never add “about” or “to” directly after it.
• Use a gerund (verb + -ing) after it, not an infinitive.
• Do not use “as” after it unless you are using the very formal “consider to be.”

Practice using consider in your own sentences about real decisions you are making. Write a short email using it, or say it out loud in a conversation. The more you use it correctly, the more natural it will feel.

For more help with common English words and their correct usage, explore our Examples and Common Mistakes section. If you have questions about this guide, visit our Contact Us page or check our FAQ for quick answers. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create our learning materials.