may consider

USAGE SUMMARY

"may consider" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone should think carefully about a decision or course of action. Example: "Before you decide which course to take, you may consider that some classes will be more beneficial to your future career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some may consider college positions.

The New York Times - Sports

Americans may consider that optional.

The New York Times - Food

It may consider leaving for good.

The Economist

Hence they may consider alternatives more seriously.

The Economist

Still, Boeing may consider itself lucky.

The New York Times

Detroit fans may consider that a gift.

The New York Times

If not, they may consider investing elsewhere.

The Guardian - Money

They may consider BTecs – but not equally".

The Guardian

He may consider this an invitation.

The New York Times

The groups may consider launching an appeal.

The Guardian

Or they may consider themselves technophobes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may consider" to suggest a thoughtful but non-committal approach to a decision or action. It's suitable when presenting options or recommendations without imposing a definitive course.

Common error

Avoid using "may consider" when a more direct instruction or recommendation is appropriate. Overuse can weaken the message and create ambiguity where clarity is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may consider" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or suggestion. It indicates that an action or idea is worth thinking about, as showcased by Ludwig AI examples, such as suggesting alternative options or courses of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may consider" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to suggest or recommend an action or idea without being overly assertive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and business writing. While highly frequent, it's essential to avoid overuse in direct instructions. Instead, consider alternatives like "might contemplate" or "should deliberate" depending on the desired tone and level of recommendation. Remember to use "may consider" when presenting options thoughtfully and non-committally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might contemplate

Suggests a slightly more formal or thoughtful consideration than "may consider".

could entertain

Implies a willingness to think about something, possibly as a new or interesting idea.

should deliberate

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or importance in the act of considering.

might assess

Focuses on evaluating or judging something, adding an element of analysis.

could evaluate

Similar to "might assess", but with a slightly more systematic approach.

should examine

Indicates a need for close inspection and careful thought.

might reflect on

Suggests a deeper, more personal consideration of something.

could mull over

Implies a casual yet thoughtful process of considering something.

should give thought to

Emphasizes the importance of dedicating time and attention to a particular idea.

might take into account

Highlights the inclusion of specific factors or elements during the consideration process.

FAQs

How can I use "may consider" in a sentence?

"May consider" is used to suggest a possibility or recommendation. For example, "The board /s/should+deliberate" the proposed changes before making a decision.

What are some alternatives to "may consider"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "might contemplate", "could entertain", or "should deliberate".

Is it correct to say "might consider" instead of "may consider"?

Yes, "might contemplate" is a valid alternative. Both "may" and "might" express possibility, but "might" can sometimes imply a slightly lower probability.

What's the difference between "may consider" and "should consider"?

"May consider" suggests a suggestion, while "should deliberate" implies a stronger recommendation or obligation. The choice depends on the level of advice you want to convey.