consider an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone think about a particular concept or proposal. Example: "Before making a decision, I encourage you to consider an idea that might change your perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The new antidrug strategy of DARE Drug Abuse Resistance Educationn) should consider an idea that I presented to the Glen Cove, N.Y., Board of Education recently: granting academic credit to any high school student who remains drug-free.

The New York Times

But it seems likelier that the Cubs will win a pennant than that somebody inside the Beltway will seriously consider an idea for saving Social Security from a financial planner in Fair Lawn.

The New York Times

Consider an idea for a fairly lunatic story: A silly young woman, alone in the world, falls in love with a man she has just met, and marries him without any knowledge of his history or background.

The New Yorker

Before dashing off to your weekly Adult Children of Parents meeting, consider an idea raised by Timothy D. Wilson, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia: the minute deconstruction of your every motive and impulse, the ceaseless self-interrogation that our therapy-infused culture extolls, may not be the best way to open the black box of your psyche.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this paper we consider an idea of the troposphere tide influence on the character of the longitudinal variations in the distribution of the equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) observed in the topside ionosphere.

Advances in Space Research

This connection grew stronger in the 1970s when local residents Muriel Ratcliffe and her husband Murray began to consider an idea for an Alice adventure.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I never thought we'd be threatened so much just for considering an idea," Devereaux said.

The New Yorker

"For so long, people would hand me a drawing of their personal design for a shoe or ask if I had considered an idea they liked.

The New York Times

The Dons board even considered an idea to move the club across the Irish Sea to Dublin - that too failed in the earliest stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Zuckerman said the three began discussing a series in the summer of 2002, at first considering an idea involving a Sherlock Holmes-style character, which led toa discussion about a law firm specializing in high-tech issues.

The New York Times

It is implicit in the law, she said, that: " 'If you're a viewer, you're a doer.' We don't subscribe to the notion that by looking at or considering an idea that you necessarily endorse it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "consider an idea" to introduce a suggestion or proposal, especially when you want to encourage thoughtful evaluation rather than immediate acceptance or rejection.

Common error

Don't use "consider an idea" sarcastically or dismissively. It is intended to encourage genuine thought, not to signal rejection. If you intend to reject the idea, use more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider an idea" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to introduce a suggestion or proposal for evaluation. Ludwig AI examples show it used in contexts ranging from policy discussions to creative writing. The phrase invites thoughtful deliberation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consider an idea" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that encourages thoughtful evaluation of a proposal or concept. Ludwig AI shows that it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional and academic discussions. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-regarded, as Ludwig AI says, and its use signals a desire for open-minded consideration. Alternatives such as "reflect on a concept" or "weigh a proposal" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflect on a concept

Replaces "consider" with "reflect on" and "idea" with "concept", suggesting a deeper and more introspective examination.

think through an option

Replaces "consider" with "think through" and "idea" with "option", emphasizing a thorough and comprehensive mental process.

contemplate a notion

Replaces "consider" with "contemplate" and "idea" with "notion", suggesting a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration.

ponder an issue

Replaces "consider" with "ponder" and "idea" with "issue", suggesting a deep and thoughtful consideration of a problem or question.

weigh a proposal

Uses "weigh" instead of "consider" and "proposal" instead of "idea", suggesting a careful assessment of its merits and drawbacks.

assess a suggestion

Uses "assess" instead of "consider" and "suggestion" instead of "idea", suggesting an evaluation of its value or suitability.

examine a possibility

Uses "examine" instead of "consider" and "possibility" instead of "idea", implying a detailed investigation of its potential.

entertain a thought

Uses "entertain" instead of "consider", implying a willingness to explore a thought, even if not fully accepting it.

deliberate over a plan

Replaces "consider" with "deliberate over" and "idea" with "plan", implying a more formal and structured consideration.

give a thought to

This alternative is a more casual expression with the same core meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "consider an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "consider an idea" to introduce a new concept or proposal for evaluation, for instance: "Before making a final decision, please "consider an idea" that might offer a different approach".

What are some alternatives to "consider an idea"?

Alternatives include "contemplate a notion", "reflect on a concept", or "weigh a proposal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "consider an idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "consider an idea" is appropriate in formal writing. It conveys a sense of thoughtful evaluation, suitable for professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "considering an idea" and "implementing an idea"?

"Considering an idea" means evaluating and thinking about it, while "implementing an idea" means putting the idea into action. One is a stage of evaluation, and the other is a stage of execution.