Consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Consider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone think about or reflect on a particular idea or option. Example: "Consider the implications of your decision before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Consider Bangladesh.

The New York Times

The federal appeals court in Atlanta ordered that the execution should be delayed for at least 30 days, while a Georgia court of appeals imposed its own stay to give the courts more time to consider the propriety of the single lethal injection as a method of killing.

The Guardian

Consider two examples.

The Economist

The report responds to lawmakers, mainly Republicans, who have argued that federal authorities must do much more to strengthen enforcement before Congress can consider any legalization for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

The New York Times

We should now consider why African countries must invest in science and technology, how science creates wealth, and what Africa must do to achieve this "new liberation" – using its untapped natural wealth, human resources, and effective policy execution to create explosive wealth that by-passes western-led globalisation and creates national and continental technology hubs.

The Guardian

But what is galling is that we are into our fourth week behind bars for what I consider to be some pretty mundane reporting.

The Guardian

We consider how radio is getting children's voices heard in Senegal and also take a look at 'witchcraft' in Tanzania and Mozambique, and the murders of suspected witches.

The Guardian

"As AMC Networks has expanded internationally, we have had a great desire to do something we consider fundamentally strategic, which is to take our content and put it on channels we own," said Sapan.

The Guardian

US diplomats in Yemen say they have been in contact with an American citizen whose lawyers consider him to have disappeared from jail in the country.

The Guardian

Consider this: 62% of the survey's respondents hold more than 10% of their portfolio in cash, while 8% now have more than 50% in cash – in spite of the fact that, as US Trust officials note, they're actually becoming more positive about the outlook for financial markets.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Consider" to introduce a new idea or perspective that requires careful thought.

Common error

While "Consider" is grammatically correct, overusing it in casual conversation can make your speech sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "Think about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Consider functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of thinking carefully about something, typically before making a decision or forming an opinion. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in introducing ideas, weighing options, and assigning qualities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Consider" is a versatile verb with a wide range of applications, primarily used to encourage thoughtful evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and formal settings, make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. While interchangeable with options like "think about" or "reflect on", its slightly formal tone makes it best suited for professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Think about

Direct alternative, less formal than "Consider".

Take into account

Emphasizes the inclusion of factors in a decision.

Give thought to

Suggests a more reflective process than "Consider".

Reflect on

Implies a deeper level of contemplation.

Contemplate

More formal and suggests a prolonged thought process.

Ponder

Similar to contemplate, implies deep thought.

Bear in mind

Highlights remembering something relevant.

Take under consideration

More formal and often used in official contexts.

Deliberate on

Indicates careful and thorough discussion.

Weigh up

Implies balancing different aspects of a situation.

FAQs

How to use "Consider" in a sentence?

"Consider" is a verb that means to think about something carefully. For example, "Please consider all the options before making a decision."

What can I say instead of "Consider"?

You can use alternatives like "think about", "take into account", or "reflect on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Consider" or "Considering"?

The correct choice depends on the sentence structure. "Consider" is the base form of the verb, while "considering" is the present participle. For example, "Consider this proposal" versus "I am considering this proposal".

What's the difference between "Consider" and "Evaluate"?

"Consider" implies a broader exploration of possibilities, while "evaluate" suggests a systematic assessment based on specific criteria.