consider instead

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence: I know you prefer going to the beach, but consider instead going for a hike in the mountains for a change of scenery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider instead the Joby GorillaPod.

Independent

Consider, instead of trade, industrial production.

The New York Times

No, consider instead AOL Subscriber 4417749.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consider instead a glass-and-aluminum wall system.

The New York Times

Perhaps we might consider, instead, that his worth is best measured in other ways.

Independent

So consider instead the way flavors are deployed in warm-weather cooking.

The New York Times - Food

Consider, instead, what it may indicate about the future of play calling.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's consider, instead, if he was tried for hate crime, or thought crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

But consider, instead, that neither director Darren Aronofsky nor star Mickey Rourke suggest automatic box-office gold.

The Guardian - Film

Consider instead that the symptoms of endometriosis are not invented, psychosomatic notions, but an ongoing, pulpy, bloody, material experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Would you consider, instead of inviting readers to write captions for cartoons, challenging cartoonists to draw to submitted captions?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consider instead", ensure that the alternative you are proposing is clearly stated and provides a viable solution or perspective. For example: "Don't focus on the problem; consider instead the opportunities it presents."

Common error

Avoid using "consider instead" without providing a specific alternative. Saying "Don't do that, consider instead" leaves the audience without direction. Always follow with a clear and actionable suggestion. "Don't discard it immediately, consider instead repurposing it for a different use."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider instead" functions as a directive, urging the listener or reader to shift their attention or action toward an alternative. Ludwig AI indicates that it commonly introduces a new suggestion following the rejection of an initial idea or plan. The directive is intended to re-orient thinking or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consider instead" serves as a directive, guiding individuals to shift their focus towards an alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While "consider instead" enjoys considerable presence across various sources, it's vital to provide a clear alternative for effective communication. When writing, make sure the option is feasible and well-articulated. Related phrases like "think about alternatively" or "opt for a different approach" offer similar redirection. By understanding its function and usage, writers can use "consider instead" effectively to enhance clarity and provide constructive guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opt for a different approach

Emphasizes choosing a different method or strategy.

think about alternatively

Focuses on mental deliberation rather than a direct suggestion.

let's explore another avenue

Suggests investigating a different possibility or method.

try a different tack

Suggests a change in direction or method, often in problem-solving.

ponder a different course

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration of a different path.

how about another option

Presents an alternative as a question, making it less direct.

what about a different plan

Similar to "how about", but specifically refers to a plan.

suppose we try something else

Introduces a hypothetical scenario for trying a different approach.

why not choose otherwise

Challenges the initial choice and suggests an opposite direction.

why not do something different

Opens up the options to a wider array of alternative actions

FAQs

How do I use "consider instead" effectively in a sentence?

Use "consider instead" to introduce an alternative option or perspective, typically following a statement or suggestion you want to redirect. For example, "Instead of complaining, "consider instead volunteering" your time to help solve the problem".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "consider instead"?

You can use alternatives such as "think about alternatively", "opt for a different approach", or "try a different tack" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "considered instead"?

While "consider instead" is an imperative or suggestion, "considered instead" is the past participle form and is used when describing something that was taken into consideration as an alternative. For example, "Repurposing the materials was "considered instead" of discarding them."

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

"Consider instead" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Instead consider" can be used, but it might sound slightly more formal or emphatic. Generally, stick with "consider instead" for most situations.