to consider a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to consider a question" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of thinking about or reflecting on a specific question. Example: "We need to consider a question before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "to ponder a question" and "to reflect on a question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

On Friday at the New York Public Library, where prominent writers and journalists packed the front rows, the crowd seemed spellbound even while the Norwegian paused for nearly a full minute to consider a question from the novelist Jeffrey Eugenides.

The New Yorker

The jury in the trial of Nora S. Anderson, a Manhattan Surrogate's Court judge, may have to consider a question on which even election law experts disagree: Are candidates allowed to use monetary gifts or loans from friends toward their campaigns?

The New York Times

It will therefore be useful to contrast the supervenience formulation of physicalism with various reductionist proposals, and also to consider a question that has received a lot of attention in the literature, viz., whether a physicalist must be a reductionist.

SEP

A study completed last year showed that people thinking in a foreign language were more likely to consider a question more slowly and analytically than in their native language.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Readers will want to consider a different question.

The New York Times

I think the clearest way to understand the problem with cloning is to consider a broader question: Who benefits from it?

The New York Times

Some points to consider: A good question is open-ended, and cannot be answered by 'yes' or 'no'no

European Journal of Futures Research

This has prompted discussion on the value, relevance, and interest of negative modeling results and stimulates one to consider a larger question as well: How should one evaluate systems pharmacology efforts and when are they worthy of publication?

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Horan prods readers to consider an uncomfortable question: Were Mamah's feelings unnatural?

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Gary R. Justus, a former teacher who is one of the lead plaintiffs in the case against the state, asks taxpayers in Colorado and elsewhere to consider an ethical question: Why is the state so quick to break its promises?

The New York Times

Rather than ask yourself whether you believe it, "you may as well stop to consider a more urgent question . . .

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with adverbs like "carefully", "slowly" or "analytically" to modify the depth of the thought process being described.

Common error

Avoid using the preposition "about" immediately after the verb. While you "think about" something, the verb "consider" is transitive and should be followed directly by its object: "to consider a question", not "to consider about a question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to consider a question" serves as an infinitive phrase, often functioning as a direct object or an adverb of purpose. According to Ludwig, it establishes a mental state of deliberation. It acts as a bridge between receiving information and providing a judgment, often used to signal intellectual rigor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to consider a question" is a versatile and grammatically robust expression that denotes a high level of deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and highly effective phrase for writers seeking to describe analytical or reflective thought processes. It is particularly prominent in prestigious journalistic and scientific sources, where it is used to introduce complex topics or ethical dilemmas. By using this phrase, writers can convey a sense of intellectual patience and thoroughness. It is important to distinguish it from the act of answering, as "to consider a question" focuses on the critical thinking phase. Avoid redundant prepositions like "about" to maintain a professional and polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ponder a question

Suggests a deeper, more personal or philosophical level of reflection

to contemplate a question

Suggests a quiet, meditative approach to thinking

to reflect on a question

Implies looking back or thinking about the implications of the inquiry

to examine a question

More clinical and analytical, focusing on the components of the question

to analyze a question

Emphasizes the technical or logical deconstruction of the query

to explore a question

Indicates a broad investigation of different perspectives

to address a question

Focuses on providing a response or solution to the inquiry

to weigh a question

Implies balancing different factors or potential answers

to entertain a question

Suggests a willingness to think about something that might be unusual or unlikely

to look into a question

More informal, suggesting an investigation or research phase

FAQs

What does it mean to consider a question?

It means to think about a specific inquiry with care and deliberation before forming an opinion or providing an answer. It often implies a level of intellectual or ethical depth beyond a simple reaction.

What can I say instead of "to consider a question"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "<a href="/s/to+ponder+a+question" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to ponder a question" for deep thought, "<a href="/s/examine+a+question" target="_blank" rel="alternative">examine a question" for analysis or "<a href="/s/reflect+on+a+question" target="_blank" rel="alternative">reflect on a question" for introspective consideration.

Is it formal to use "to consider a question"?

Yes, it is considered neutral to formal. It is highly common in academic journals, legal documents and high-quality journalism, as seen in examples from The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Is "to consider a question" the same as "to answer a question"?

No. Considering is the process of thinking that happens before answering. One might <a href="/s/to+consider+a+question" target="_blank" rel="alternative">to consider a question for a long time and ultimately decide not to answer it at all.