consider doing something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider doing something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone think about the possibility of taking a specific action. Example: "I think you should consider doing something about the noise issue in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

So I would seriously consider doing something about that".

The New York Times

And you might want to consider doing something about the sagging hoods".

The New York Times - Arts

So as a matter of macro-policy, we need to consider doing something serious.

The Guardian

Perhaps the London taxi authorities will consider doing something about this.

The New York Times - Travel

It's frightening to say maybe we have to consider doing something a different way.

The New York Times

He recalled: "We asked Vartan what we could do and he said, 'Would you consider doing something for the librarians?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I would have considered doing something like that full time," he says.

Cornell University

Used as an interjection when someone is considering doing something risky or ill-advised.

The New York Times

I don't know if Jody even considered doing something like that.

The New Yorker

"I will continue to support the governor until he says he's considering doing something else.

The New York Times

When one of us considers doing something questionable, another student might chime in with a warning, invoking Ms. Knox.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consider doing something" to introduce a suggestion or possibility, especially when you want to encourage thoughtful evaluation rather than immediate action.

Common error

Avoid using "consider doing something" when a direct command is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant or passive. If you intend to instruct, use a more assertive verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider doing something" functions as a suggestion or recommendation for a potential action. It invites contemplation and evaluation of a specific course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable. Ludwig's examples show the contexts in which the expression can be used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consider doing something" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to suggest a potential course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's prevalent in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts. While it can appear in both formal and informal settings, being mindful of the context ensures that the suggestion is appropriately conveyed. Alternatives like "think about doing something" or "contemplate doing something" can be used for nuanced variations in meaning. Avoiding overuse, especially in situations requiring direct commands, maintains clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think about taking action

Emphasizes the act of thinking before acting.

give thought to doing something

Suggests dedicating some time to thinking about an action.

contemplate doing something

Suggests a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration.

reflect on doing something

Implies a deeper and more personal reflection.

entertain the idea of doing something

Implies a more casual or exploratory consideration.

deliberate over doing something

Indicates a careful and thorough discussion or consideration.

weigh the possibility of doing something

Focuses on assessing the potential outcomes.

explore the option of doing something

Highlights the act of investigating different choices.

bear in mind to do something

Suggests remembering or taking something into account.

take into account to do something

Focuses on evaluating aspects or factors of doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "consider doing something" in a sentence?

Use "consider doing something" to suggest a possible action or course of action. For example, "You should "consider doing something" about the noise complaint."

What are some alternatives to "consider doing something"?

Alternatives include "think about doing something", "contemplate doing something", or "explore the option of doing something", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "consider doing something"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "consider doing something" in situations that require a direct command. In such cases, a more assertive verb is preferable.

What is the difference between "consider doing something" and "recommend doing something"?

"Consider doing something" suggests a possibility for evaluation, whereas "recommend doing something" implies a more affirmative endorsement of the action.