What Does consider Mean? Simple Explanation and Examples
The verb consider means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. When you consider something, you give it your attention and weigh it in your mind. For example, if you say, “I will consider your offer,” you mean you will think about it before deciding yes or no. This word is used in everyday conversation, emails, and formal writing. It is not a phrasal verb, but it often appears in common phrases like “consider doing something” or “consider something as important.”
Quick Answer
Consider = to think about something carefully, usually to make a decision or form an opinion. Use it when you want to show that you are giving attention to an idea, a person, or a situation.
- Formal tone: “We will consider your application.”
- Informal tone: “I’m considering getting a new phone.”
- Common structure: consider + noun / consider + verb-ing
Simple Meaning of Consider
At its core, consider means to think about something with care. It is not the same as “think” because “think” can be quick or vague. When you consider, you pause and reflect. For example:
- “Please consider my suggestion.” (Think about it seriously.)
- “She considered moving to a new city.” (She thought about the idea and weighed the pros and cons.)
In English, consider is often used in three main ways:
- Consider + noun: “I will consider your request.”
- Consider + verb-ing: “He is considering changing his job.”
- Consider + noun + as + noun/adjective: “They consider her as a leader.” (Note: “as” is optional in many cases.)
Formal vs. Informal Tone
Consider works in both formal and informal settings, but the context changes the feeling.
| Context | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Email to a boss | “I will consider your feedback carefully.” | Formal, respectful |
| Text to a friend | “I’m considering getting pizza tonight.” | Informal, casual |
| Conversation at work | “We need to consider all options before deciding.” | Neutral, professional |
| Social media post | “Considering a new hobby? Try painting!” | Informal, engaging |
In formal writing, consider sounds thoughtful and polite. In casual conversation, it sounds natural and not too stiff. Avoid using it in very short texts like “Consider it done” (which is a fixed phrase meaning “I will do it immediately”).
Common Nuances
English learners sometimes confuse consider with similar words. Here are the key differences:
- Consider vs. Think about: “Think about” is more general. “I think about you” means you are in my mind. “I consider you a friend” means I view you as a friend after thought.
- Consider vs. Regard: “Regard” is more formal and often used with “as.” “I regard him as an expert” is similar to “I consider him an expert.” But “consider” is more common in everyday speech.
- Consider vs. Evaluate: “Evaluate” is more technical and means to judge the value or quality. “Consider” is broader and includes thinking without necessarily judging.
Natural Examples
Here are real-life examples of how native speakers use consider in different situations:
In Conversation
- “I’m considering going to the gym tomorrow.” (Thinking about a plan.)
- “Have you considered talking to your manager?” (Suggesting an action.)
- “Consider this: if you save now, you can travel later.” (Giving advice.)
In Email
- “Thank you for your proposal. We will consider it and get back to you.” (Polite response.)
- “Please consider the attached document before our meeting.” (Request for attention.)
- “I consider your opinion valuable.” (Expressing respect.)
In Social Media
- “Considering a career change? Here are 5 tips.” (Engaging headline.)
- “I never considered that perspective before. Thanks for sharing!” (Comment on a post.)
- “Consider following this account for daily motivation.” (Call to action.)
Common Mistakes
Many English learners make errors with consider. Here are the most frequent ones and how to fix them:
| Mistake | Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using “to” after consider | “I consider to go.” | “I consider going.” | Use verb-ing, not infinitive. |
| Forgetting “as” when needed | “They consider him as a hero.” (This is actually acceptable, but many omit “as” in modern English.) | “They consider him a hero.” | Both are used, but without “as” is more common in American English. |
| Using “consider about” | “I am considering about your offer.” | “I am considering your offer.” | No preposition needed after “consider.” |
| Confusing with “think” | “I consider you are right.” | “I think you are right.” or “I consider you right.” | “Consider” is not used with “that” clauses in the same way as “think.” Use “think” for opinions. |
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes consider is not the best word. Here are alternatives for different situations:
- Think about – Use for casual, less serious situations. Example: “I’m thinking about what to eat.”
- Weigh – Use when comparing options. Example: “We need to weigh the pros and cons.”
- Contemplate – Use for deep, thoughtful reflection. Example: “She contemplated a career change.” (More formal.)
- Take into account – Use when including factors. Example: “We must take into account the budget.”
- Look at – Use in casual conversation. Example: “Let’s look at this idea.”
When to use “consider”: Use it when you want to sound thoughtful, polite, or professional. It is safe for most situations, but avoid overusing it in very informal texts where “think about” sounds more natural.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding of consider. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- I am _______ your application right now.
a) considering
b) considering about
c) consider to
Answer: a) considering - She _______ moving to another country next year.
a) is considering
b) is considering to
c) considers about
Answer: a) is considering - Please _______ the cost before you decide.
a) consider
b) consider about
c) consider to
Answer: a) consider - They _______ him a great teacher.
a) consider
b) consider as
c) consider about
Answer: a) consider (or b) “consider as” is also used, but a is more common.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “consider” with “to” like “consider to do”?
No. In standard English, consider is followed by a noun or a verb in the -ing form. For example, say “I consider going” not “I consider to go.” This is a common mistake among learners.
2. Is “consider” formal or informal?
Consider is neutral. It works in both formal and informal contexts. In very casual conversation, native speakers might use “think about” more often, but “consider” is still natural and polite.
3. What is the difference between “consider” and “regard”?
Both can mean “to think of someone or something in a particular way.” However, regard is more formal and almost always uses “as” (e.g., “I regard him as a friend”). Consider can be used with or without “as” (e.g., “I consider him a friend” or “I consider him as a friend”).
4. Can I use “consider” in negative sentences?
Yes. For example: “I don’t consider that a good idea.” Or “She never considered the consequences.” The meaning is that you did not think about something carefully.
Final Note
Mastering consider will help you sound more natural and precise in English. Remember the key rule: use verb-ing after it, not “to.” Practice with the examples above, and soon you will use it correctly in emails, conversations, and social media. For more simple explanations of common English words, explore our Simple Meanings section. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us. We follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure clarity for learners.
