start to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the beginning of the process of thinking about something or giving it thought. Example: "As we move forward with the project, we need to start to consider the potential risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll start to consider achievement.

The Guardian - Books

When do people start to consider that maybe they have the wrong model?

The New York Times

People start to consider the potential, and the possibilities are endless".

The New York Times - Tech

My situation is, that's when you start to consider going abroad".

The New York Times - Magazine

"People are just beginning to start to consider philanthropy as part of their overall estate planning.

The New York Times

But then I start to consider the commitment and it becomes overwhelming.

The Guardian - Opinion

We must start to consider the greatness of Alastair Cook: the statistics alone demand it.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps we might start to consider for ourselves where the spirit is leading us today?

The Guardian

Those who are thanked often then start to consider whom they haven't thanked.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mainland states will have to start to consider warmer weather varieties found in Mediterranean countries.

The Guardian

A committee of the board will start to consider the mat ter this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start to consider" to introduce a shift in thinking or when initiating a deliberative process. This phrase is particularly effective when outlining the initial stages of problem-solving or decision-making.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "start to consider" in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "begin to ponder" or "give thought to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to consider" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a process. As exemplified by Ludwig, this phrase marks the initiation of thinking about something, prompting a shift in focus towards a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

17%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start to consider" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to indicate the commencement of a thought process or deliberation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While it is grammatically sound and effective, overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain engaging and varied writing. Alternatives such as "begin to ponder" or "give thought to" can be employed to enhance stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give thought to

A simpler and more direct way of saying "consider", focusing on the act of thinking.

begin to ponder

Replaces "start" with "begin" and "consider" with "ponder", suggesting a more thoughtful and deliberate process.

begin to evaluate

Emphasizes the assessment and judgment aspect of consideration.

commence to contemplate

Uses more formal synonyms for both "start" and "consider", indicating a more serious and considered approach.

take into advisement

A more formal expression for considering, often used in professional settings.

start weighing up

Focuses on balancing different aspects or options during the consideration process.

entertain the notion of

Introduces the idea of considering something as a possibility or option.

think about exploring

Adds a sense of discovery and investigation to the act of consideration.

look into the possibility of

Specifically addresses considering something as a potential course of action.

turn one's attention to

Suggests a shift in focus towards a particular topic or idea, implying consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "start to consider" in a sentence?

You can use "start to consider" to indicate the beginning of a thought process. For example, "As project deadlines approach, we need to "start to consider" our resource allocation strategy".

What can I say instead of "start to consider"?

Alternatives to "start to consider" include "begin to ponder", "give thought to", or "entertain the notion of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "start to consider" or "begin to consider"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "begin to consider" might be perceived as slightly more formal in some contexts due to "begin" being a more traditionally formal synonym for "start".

When might I use "start to consider" over simply "consider"?

Use "start to consider" when you want to emphasize the initiation of the thought process, suggesting that something has prompted the consideration or that the process is in its early stages. If it's an established consideration, you can use "consider" directly.