I once considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I once considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on a past thought or idea that you contemplated at some point. Example: "I once considered moving to another country for a fresh start, but ultimately decided to stay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mark is someone I once considered my friend for a brief time.

The Guardian - Tech

Nor does he name Mr. Chang, referring instead to "a contributor I once considered a friend".

The New York Times

"I once considered attempting a biography of Siegfried Sassoon," admitted Alan Judd in the Spectator.

The Guardian - Books

My ex-husband had left me for a woman I once considered one of my closest friends.

The New York Times

I once considered a rack of lamb two servings, but now I think it's adequate for four.

The New York Times - Food

Jeremy, a man I am no longer in touch with, was someone I once considered a friend.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Before that moment, I never once considered if I would be comfortable with my son playing football.

Huffington Post

I never once considered training my face, I just didn't have the time.

The Guardian - Tech

We knew that she went to parties, and I was concerned that she was experimenting with pills and cocaine, but I never once considered heroin.

The New York Times

"For many of those years, I never once considered the cost for nursing homes".

The New York Times

"I never once considered it appropriate to put taxpayer money on the line in resolving Lehman Brothers," he told reporters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I once considered", ensure the context clearly indicates why you no longer hold that consideration, providing a sense of closure for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I once considered" when discussing ongoing or recent deliberations. This phrase implies a past decision that has been resolved, not a current, open possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I once considered" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a reflection on a past thought, intention, or possibility. It is typically followed by a noun phrase or a verb phrase indicating what was considered. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I once considered" is a useful tool for reflecting on past thoughts and intentions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, and carries a neutral register. While it can be interchanged with alternatives like "I used to think about" or "I had once contemplated", it's important to use it correctly to indicate a resolved past consideration, rather than a current deliberation. Overall, it is a common and effective phrase to add depth and context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had once contemplated

Replaces 'considered' with 'contemplated', emphasizing deeper thought.

I had once entertained the idea of

More explicitly states the idea was merely entertained, not necessarily seriously pursued.

I at one time thought about

Uses simpler language to convey the same meaning.

I used to think about

Indicates a past habit of thinking about something.

I formerly considered

Replaces 'once' with 'formerly', indicating a more distant past.

I have at some point considered

Highlights the action was done in an unspecific moment in the past.

I had previously considered

Highlights the consideration happened before something else.

I briefly considered

Emphasizes the short duration of the consideration.

I was once thinking about

Changes the verb to 'thinking about', softening the commitment.

I had considered in the past

Emphasizes that the consideration occurred sometime earlier.

FAQs

How can I use "I once considered" in a sentence?

Use "I once considered" to talk about something you thought about or planned in the past, but no longer do. For example: "I once considered a career in medicine, but now I work in technology."

What is a good alternative to "I once considered"?

Alternatives to "I once considered" include "I used to think about", "I had once contemplated", or "I formerly considered", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I once considered" and "I am considering"?

"I once considered" indicates a past thought or plan that is no longer relevant, while "I am considering" implies a current, active deliberation. The first is retrospective, the second is happening now.

Is it correct to say "I have once considered" instead of "I once considered"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I once considered" is more common and natural-sounding. "I have once considered" might be used for emphasis or in more formal writing.