reconsider

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'reconsider' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of taking a new look at something, thinking it over again, or revising an opinion. Example sentence: "After careful reconsideration, I decided to apply to the college program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With this in mind, is it time for the charity sector to reconsider how it approaches donors, especially those who might struggle to say no?

The Guardian

"We strongly urge the federal government to reconsider its stance on this issue," they wrote, before outlining plans for more transparency about the data Yahoo shares with law enforcement agencies.

The Guardian - Tech

Europe should consider its roots and reconsider its values.

The Guardian

Before the hearing, she had called for UAL to reconsider what she called its "alarming and unacceptable use of legal action against activists".

The Guardian

Referring back to her iconic look in the Nothing Compares 2 U video – a huge international hit written by Prince – O'Connor admitted that she was asked by her label to reconsider her image for the 1990s video.

The Guardian - Music

Toward the end of the interview, Peterson said he would reconsider using switches in the future, but said he would never "eliminate whooping my kids … because I know how being spanked has helped me in my life".

The Guardian - Sport

His paternalistic rule provides a second chance for Hungarians to reconsider what they failed to do in 1989.

The Guardian - Opinion

The next government must review the single homelessness legislation, reconsider planned benefit cuts and build far more affordable homes if we are to end the scandal of people being forced to sleep on the streets.

The Guardian

It is thus time for Germany to reconsider its pledge to run a balanced budget next year and "take one for the Eurozone team".

The Guardian - Business

She urged people to reconsider their antibiotic use.

The Guardian

But it believes the weakness will prove to be short-lived and is no reason for the newly elected Conservative government to reconsider plans for another round of cuts.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reconsider" when you want to suggest a thoughtful and careful review of a previous decision or position. It implies a willingness to change based on new information or perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "reconsider" when suggesting a quick, off-the-cuff change of mind. "Reconsider" implies a deeper, more reflective process than a simple whim.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reconsider" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig shows it is used to indicate the action of thinking again about a previously made decision or a settled matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reconsider" is a versatile verb that conveys the action of thinking again about a previous decision or matter, prompting a thoughtful re-evaluation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its usage is particularly common in news, business, and formal communication, where a careful review of decisions is crucial. When looking for alternative phrases, consider options such as "re-evaluate", "rethink", or "reassess". Understanding the function and purpose of "reconsider" ensures that it's used appropriately, enriching clarity and effectiveness in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

re-evaluate

Changes the focus to a formal reassessment, often involving specific criteria.

rethink

Emphasizes a more fundamental change in thinking or approach.

reassess

Highlights a review of something's value or importance.

review

Focuses on a critical examination or evaluation of something.

revisit

Suggests returning to a topic or decision previously addressed.

re-examine

Highlights a detailed inspection or investigation to gain further understanding.

reflect on

Shifts the focus to contemplative thought about a past event or decision.

give something a second thought

Presents a more casual way of suggesting another consideration.

change one's mind

Focuses on altering a previous decision or opinion.

take another look

Offers an informal way to suggest a re-evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "reconsider" in a sentence?

You can use "reconsider" to suggest a thoughtful review of a decision, as in, "The board agreed to "reconsider" its initial proposal after receiving new data."

What are some alternatives to "reconsider"?

Alternatives to "reconsider" include "rethink", "reevaluate", and "reassess", each implying a slightly different nuance of reviewing or changing a decision.

Is there a difference between "reconsider" and "review"?

"Review" generally implies a more superficial examination, while "reconsider" suggests a deeper, more thoughtful process that may lead to a change in opinion or decision.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "reconsider"?

It is appropriate to ask someone to "reconsider" when new information has come to light, or when the potential consequences of a decision warrant a second look.