begin to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing the idea of starting to think about something or to reflect on a particular topic. Example: "As we move forward with the project, we should begin to consider the potential challenges we might face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lenders may begin to consider rental payment histories, for instance.

The New York Times

Federal regulators will not begin to consider any deal until it is completed and formally presented.

The New York Times - Tech

But when voters have enough doubts about a sitting president they begin to consider the alternative.

The New York Times

How can one even begin to consider the economic costs before the human toll is known?

The New York Times

All of this doesn't even begin to consider the literary (as opposed to historical) parasites.

The Guardian - Books

Salter didn't begin to consider himself old until a few years ago.

The New Yorker

With the nearly complete DNA sequence, scientists can also begin to consider the interplay between genes.

The New York Times - Science

"Instead, we begin to consider the suffering brought upon local communities and whether that suffering could have been minimized".

The New York Times

The jury of seven women and three men will begin to consider their verdict on 22 February.

Independent

The country won't improve, Adams wrote, until the people begin to "consider themselves as the fountain of power".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I begin to consider how to tell Georgie when I get home.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to consider" to introduce a new line of thought or a shift in perspective, signaling the start of a reflective process. For example, when analyzing data, one might "begin to consider" alternative explanations.

Common error

While acceptable, "begin to consider" can sound redundant in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs like "analyze", "evaluate", or "investigate" for a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to consider" primarily functions as a verb phrase introducing the initial phase of a cognitive process. As noted by Ludwig, it introduces the idea of starting to think about something. The phrase indicates the commencement of deliberation or evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin to consider" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signals the start of a thought process or evaluation. Ludwig AI affirms its validity for introducing contemplation across a variety of contexts. While applicable in both formal and informal settings, writers should be mindful of potential redundancy in highly formal contexts. Alternative expressions, such as "start considering" or "begin contemplating", offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis. The phrase's prevalence in news and media highlights its general applicability, while its use in scientific sources indicates its utility in analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start considering

This alternative is more concise and direct, omitting the 'to' for a slightly less formal tone.

begin contemplating

This alternative uses a more sophisticated synonym for "consider", implying deeper thought and reflection.

commence considering

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the initiation of the consideration process.

start to think about

This alternative replaces "consider" with a more general term, reducing formality and broadening the scope.

initiate deliberation

This alternative is highly formal and suggests a structured process of weighing options.

start giving thought to

This alternative is more descriptive and highlights the action of applying mental effort to a topic.

take into consideration

This alternative emphasizes the act of including something in one's thoughts or plans, shifting the focus slightly.

turn one's attention to

This alternative suggests a shift in focus towards a particular subject for evaluation.

entertain the idea of

This alternative implies a willingness to explore a new concept or possibility.

broach the subject of

This alternative suggests initiating a discussion or consideration of a potentially sensitive topic.

FAQs

How can I use "begin to consider" in a sentence?

You can use "begin to consider" to indicate the start of a thought process, such as "After reviewing the results, we should "start to consider" the implications".

What are some alternatives to "begin to consider"?

Alternatives include "start thinking about", "begin contemplating", or "take into account", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "begin to consider" or "start to consider"?

"Begin to consider" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "start to consider", but both are acceptable in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "begin to consider" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when introducing a new factor or perspective in your analysis. For example, "Researchers must "start to consider" the ethical implications of their work".