consider
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
to think carefully about something before making a decision or forming an opinion.
To regard something in a particular light, to take something into account, to think of someone or something in a specified way, or to look attentively at something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies deliberate, reflective thought. It can mean to think about something with the intention of possibly taking action ('consider moving'), to form an opinion about something ('I consider him a friend'), or to discuss or examine something ('The report considers three options').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. Potential minor variation in formality perception; 'give consideration to' might be perceived as slightly more formal in American contexts. The use of 'consider' with an object complement (consider him a fool) is slightly more frequent in American English.
Connotations
Slightly stronger formal connotation in UK English, especially in legal or parliamentary contexts (e.g., 'The House will consider the motion').
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with near-identical usage patterns. Collocations with 'seriously' (take seriously) are equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
consider + noun/pronounconsider + -ing formconsider + that-clauseconsider + noun + (to be) + noun/adjective (object complement)consider + wh-clauseconsider + noun + for + nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All things considered”
- “Consider it done”
- “Worth considering”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in strategic planning and decision-making (e.g., 'The board will consider the merger proposal').
Academic
Used to introduce or analyse a perspective, theory, or piece of evidence (e.g., 'This chapter will consider the socio-economic factors').
Everyday
Used for personal decisions and opinions (e.g., 'I'm considering buying a new car').
Technical
Used in formal processes like engineering or law to denote systematic evaluation (e.g., 'The design must consider load-bearing requirements').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll consider your offer and get back to you next week.
- Have you considered applying for the graduate scheme?
- He is considered the leading expert in the field.
- The committee will first consider the budgetary implications.
American English
- We're considering a vacation in Colorado this summer.
- Did you consider that the plan might not work?
- She is considered to be a very fair judge.
- All factors were considered before the decision was made.
adverb
British English
- No common adverbial form in use.
American English
- No common adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- No common adjectival form in use.
American English
- No common adjectival form in use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please consider my idea.
- I will consider your invitation.
- He is considering a new job.
- You should consider all the options before you choose.
- They are considering moving to a bigger flat.
- She is considered a very kind person.
- The government is actively considering stricter environmental regulations.
- When judging his work, one must consider the difficult circumstances he faced.
- The proposal is being given careful consideration.
- The tribunal must consider whether the evidence submitted is admissible.
- Having considered the matter from every conceivable angle, I find his argument ultimately unconvincing.
- His early novels are considered to have redefined the genre.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONSULTANT (sounds like 'con-sid-er') who sits down (sid) to think carefully about your problem.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS SEEING (to look at an idea from all angles), THINKING IS WEIGHING (to weigh up the options).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'consider' as a direct translation for 'считать' in the sense of numerical calculation (use 'calculate').
- Avoid overusing 'consider about' (e.g., 'consider about it') – 'consider' is transitive.
- Distinguish from 'regard' – 'regard' often requires 'as' (regard him as a friend), while 'consider' does not (consider him a friend).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I am considering to go.' Correct: 'I am considering going.'
- Incorrect: 'We must consider about the cost.' Correct: 'We must consider the cost.'
- Incorrect subject-verb agreement in noun clauses: 'He consider that it is important.' Correct: 'He considers that it is important.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'consider' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Consider' implies more formal, deliberate, and focused thought, often with a goal of decision-making. 'Think about' is more general and informal. You 'consider' a job offer, but you 'think about' your childhood.
You almost always use 'consider' + the '-ing' form (gerund). 'I'm considering moving' is correct. 'Consider' + to-infinitive is very rare and archaic in modern English, except in the passive voice ('He is considered to be wise').
Usually not. The structure is 'consider + object + complement' without 'as'. 'I consider him a friend' (not 'as a friend'). However, 'regard' requires 'as': 'I regard him as a friend'.
Yes, but this is a slightly formal/literary use, as in 'He never considers her feelings' (he is not thoughtful of them). The more common related word for this meaning is 'considerate' (adjective).