consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'consider' is correct and a very common word in written English.
You can use it to talk about thinking about something carefully or giving it some thought, for example: I considered my options before making a decision.

✓ 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

When using "consider", ensure that the context clarifies whether you're suggesting a brief thought or a detailed evaluation.

Common error

Avoid beginning too many sentences with "consider" in formal writing. Varied sentence structures can improve readability and flow.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "consider" is a transitive verb. It signifies the act of thinking carefully about something, typically before making a decision. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consider" is a versatile verb widely used to denote thoughtful reflection or evaluation. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. The analysis reveals that while "consider" maintains a neutral register, its purpose is to prompt careful thought and assessment. To enhance your writing, be mindful of the context and purpose when using "consider", opting for alternative phrases when greater precision is needed and avoiding overuse in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think about

A general term for engaging in thought about something.

take into account

Emphasizes the inclusion of something as a factor in one's decision-making.

reflect on

Suggests a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

contemplate

Implies a prolonged and deliberate thought process.

evaluate

Focuses on assessing the value or merit of something.

assess

Similar to evaluate, but may involve a more formal or structured approach.

weigh up

Suggests balancing different factors or options.

deem

Implies forming an opinion or judgment.

regard

Similar to deem, but might also express a feeling or attitude.

bear in mind

Highlights the importance of remembering or taking something into consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "consider" in a sentence?

"Consider" can be used to suggest thinking seriously about something, like in the sentence, "We should "consider all options" before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to the word "consider"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "think about", "take into account", and "reflect on", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "consider" or "take into consideration"?

"Consider" is often more concise. "Take into consideration" is more emphatic but can sometimes sound redundant.

What's the difference between "consider" and "deem"?

"Consider" implies thoughtful deliberation, while "deem" suggests forming an opinion or judgment, often with authority or expertise.