Meaning & use
consider
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To think about something carefully before deciding, judging, or acting.
Grammar: Takes an object: consider a plan. Before a second verb use the -ing form: consider applying, not consider to apply.
Patterns
- consider something
- consider doing something
- consider whether
Please consider my application carefully.
We are considering moving closer to the office.
verbtransitive
To regard someone or something as having a particular quality or identity.
Grammar: Pattern: consider someone/something + noun or adjective; no “as” in this pattern.
Patterns
- consider someone a friend
- consider something important
- consider it necessary
I consider Ana a close colleague.
The committee considered the evidence sufficient.
verbtransitiveformal
To take a fact or possibility into account when judging a situation.
Grammar: Common with “all things” or clauses; more formal than everyday “think about.”
Patterns
- consider the effect
- all things considered
- consider that
The judge considered the child’s age before sentencing.
All things considered, the trip went smoothly.
Word forms
| third person singular | considers |
|---|---|
| past tense | considered |
| past participle | considered |
| -ing form | considering |
Common combinations
- consider carefully
- We will consider your offer carefully over the weekend.
- consider doing something
- Have you considered taking the earlier train?
- consider options
- Before buying a car, consider your fuel and repair options.
- all things considered
- All things considered, the event was a success.
Synonyms and how they differ
- contemplate
- Suggests quiet, serious thought about a possibility; more formal.
- weigh
- Emphasizes comparing advantages and disadvantages before a decision.
- regard
- Close to the “see as” sense; “consider” can also mean deliberate thought.
- ponder
- Means think deeply and slowly; does not imply reaching a practical decision.
Opposites
Word family
- consideration noun
- Careful thought; a factor taken into account.
- considerable adjective
- Large or important in amount; related in form but different in meaning.
- considerate adjective
- Thoughtful about other people’s feelings or needs.
- considering preposition
- Taking a fact into account: “Considering the rain, we left early.”
Commonly confused: consider or regard? consider or consist?
consider vs regard
Both can mean “see as,” but “consider” often includes thought before judging; “regard” simply states an opinion.
consider vs consist
Spelling and sound differ; “consist” means be made of or depend on, not think carefully.
Practice
Which is correct?
Choose one answer.
After “consider,” use the -ing form for a possible action: consider hiring. The other options use wrong verb patterns.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “consider”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.