could have considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could have considered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a past possibility or hypothetical situation where someone had the option to think about something. Example: "In hindsight, we could have considered other alternatives before making our final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could have considered the proportion of staff with a recognised teaching qualification.

The Guardian

But the court failed to address several questions that it could have considered, including these.

The New York Times

Still, others wondered if the university could have considered other reductions.

The New York Times

"We could have considered buying another house in Queens," she said, "but it wouldn't have made financial sense".

The New York Times

It's a promising little machine and for the money it's one of the few sports cars I could have considered.

The Telegraph

Edward Sablok and Clifton Jones were on television last week, but they could have considered it only a mixed blessing.

The New York Times

There were no casualties, and we could have considered ourselves lucky and gone home to our base.

The New York Times

Given Williams's prior success in majors, and on hard courts, they could have considered offering her a higher seed.

The New Yorker

They note that Johnson administration officials could have considered Thucydides' account of the ill-conceived Athenian invasion of Syracuse more than two millennia ago.

The New York Times

It would have been preventable with an ethical impact analysis that could have considered the discriminatory impact of simple, algorithmic decisions.

The Guardian - Tech

They would have accepted the case so the United States Supreme Court could have considered reversing the Colorado Supreme Court and reinstating the pro-Republican redistricting plan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could have considered", ensure the context clearly indicates what alternatives or factors were available but not taken into account. This provides clarity and strengthens the point being made.

Common error

Avoid using "could have considered" excessively in passive constructions. Instead of saying "The issue could have been considered", opt for a more direct approach like "They could have considered the issue" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could have considered" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a past possibility or unrealized action. It indicates that an individual or group had the option to think about or take into account something, but did not necessarily do so. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could have considered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal verb phrase that serves to express a missed opportunity or alternative perspective in past situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to seamlessly fit into various registers, most notably in news, scientific, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring that the unconsidered alternatives are clearly defined. By avoiding passive constructions and maintaining a direct approach, writers can effectively leverage the power of "could have considered" to add depth and nuance to their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have entertained

Suggests a slightly more casual or brief consideration.

should have weighed

Implies a stronger sense of obligation or advisability.

may have contemplated

Indicates a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

would have assessed

Focuses on the evaluation aspect of considering something.

might have factored in

Highlights the inclusion of something in the decision-making process.

should have taken into account

Emphasizes the importance of considering relevant information.

may have given thought to

Offers a more formal and reflective alternative.

would have explored

Suggests a more in-depth investigation or examination.

might have pondered

Implies a more thoughtful and reflective consideration.

should have deliberated on

Highlights a careful and thorough discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "could have considered" in a sentence?

Use "could have considered" to express a past possibility or suggestion that someone had the option to think about something but didn't, for example: "The committee "could have considered" alternative solutions before making a decision."

What phrases are similar to "could have considered"?

Alternatives include "might have entertained", "should have weighed", or "may have contemplated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "could have been considered" instead of "could have considered"?

While "could have been considered" is grammatically correct, it implies a passive voice. "Could have considered" is more direct and active, placing emphasis on the actor who had the option to consider something.

What is the difference between "could have considered" and "should have considered"?

"Could have considered" indicates a past possibility that wasn't realized, whereas "should have considered" expresses a stronger sense of obligation or advisability that something was not considered when it should have been.