Sentences with ‘consider’ for Better Writing
The verb consider means to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision. In business and professional writing, it is one of the most useful words to express thought, evaluation, or respect for an idea. This guide shows you how to use consider correctly in sentences, with practical examples for emails, reports, and everyday workplace conversation.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’ in a Sentence
Use consider when you want to say “think about” or “take into account.” It is followed by a noun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a clause starting with “that.” Here are the three main patterns:
- Consider + noun: “Please consider my proposal.”
- Consider + gerund: “We are considering expanding the team.”
- Consider + that clause: “Consider that the deadline is next Friday.”
In formal writing, consider sounds more professional than “think about.” In casual conversation, both are fine, but consider adds a tone of careful thought.
Formal vs. Informal Tone with ‘consider’
The word consider works in both formal and informal contexts, but the sentence structure changes the tone.
| Context | Example Sentence | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Formal email | “We kindly ask you to consider our revised offer.” | Polite, professional |
| Informal conversation | “Consider taking a break before the next meeting.” | Friendly suggestion |
| Report writing | “The committee will consider all applications by Friday.” | Neutral, factual |
| Daily chat | “I’m considering a new phone – any recommendations?” | Casual, personal |
Notice that the formal version often includes polite phrases like “kindly ask you to consider.” The informal version is shorter and more direct.
Natural Examples of ‘consider’ in Business Writing
Here are real-life sentences you can use in emails, reports, and meetings. Each example shows a common business situation.
Email Examples
- “Please consider the attached budget before our call tomorrow.”
- “We are considering your suggestion and will respond by Wednesday.”
- “Consider this a friendly reminder about the quarterly report.”
Meeting and Conversation Examples
- “Let’s consider the risks before we approve the project.”
- “I’m considering whether to attend the conference in March.”
- “Have you considered asking the client for an extension?”
Report and Document Examples
- “The analysis considers three main factors: cost, time, and quality.”
- “We must consider the impact on current customers.”
- “This section considers the long-term benefits of the partnership.”
Common Mistakes with ‘consider’
Even advanced learners make errors with consider. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using ‘consider to’ + verb
Incorrect: “We consider to hire a new manager.”
Correct: “We consider hiring a new manager.”
Why: After consider, use the gerund (verb + -ing), not the infinitive (to + verb).
Mistake 2: Forgetting the object
Incorrect: “I will consider and let you know.” (vague)
Correct: “I will consider your request and let you know.”
Why: Consider needs a clear object – what are you thinking about?
Mistake 3: Using ‘consider about’
Incorrect: “We are considering about the proposal.”
Correct: “We are considering the proposal.”
Why: Do not add “about” after consider. The word already means “think about.”
Mistake 4: Confusing ‘consider’ with ‘regard’
Incorrect: “I consider him as a friend.”
Correct: “I consider him a friend.”
Why: When consider means “view as,” do not use “as.” Just say “consider + noun + noun.”
Better Alternatives to ‘consider’
Sometimes you need a different word to match the exact meaning. Here are strong alternatives for business writing.
| Word | When to Use It | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate | When you need to judge value or quality | “Please evaluate the proposal before the meeting.” |
| Review | When you need to examine details | “Let’s review the contract together.” |
| Weigh | When comparing options or pros and cons | “We need to weigh the benefits against the costs.” |
| Contemplate | When thinking deeply over time | “She is contemplating a career change.” |
| Take into account | When including a factor in your decision | “Take into account the client’s budget.” |
Use evaluate or review for formal reports. Use weigh when you have two or more choices. Use contemplate for personal or long-term decisions.
When to Use ‘consider’ vs. ‘think about’
Both words are correct, but they are not always interchangeable. Here is the difference.
- Consider is more deliberate and formal. It suggests careful thought, often with a decision in mind.
- Think about is more general and casual. It can mean a quick thought or a longer reflection.
Example comparison:
“I will consider your offer.” (I will evaluate it carefully.)
“I will think about your offer.” (I will give it some thought, but less formal.)
In business writing, consider is usually the better choice because it sounds more professional and precise.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Complete each sentence with the correct form of consider or choose the right word. Answers are below.
- We are __________ (consider) a new marketing strategy for next quarter.
- Please __________ the feedback from the client before you finalize the report.
- She __________ (consider) moving to a different department last year.
- Which word is more formal in this sentence: “Please __________ the proposal.” (consider / think about)
Answers:
- considering
- consider
- considered
- consider
Frequently Asked Questions about ‘consider’
1. Can I use ‘consider’ in an email to my boss?
Yes. Consider is appropriate for all levels of formality in business. For example: “I would like you to consider my request for a flexible schedule.” It shows respect and careful thought.
2. What is the difference between ‘consider’ and ‘regard’?
Consider means to think about or evaluate. Regard means to look at or view in a certain way. For example: “I consider this a priority” (I think it is important). “I regard this as a priority” (I view it that way). Both are correct, but consider is more common in active decision-making.
3. Is it ‘consider doing’ or ‘consider to do’?
Always use consider doing (gerund). For example: “We are considering hiring a consultant.” Never say “consider to hire.” This is a fixed grammar rule.
4. Can ‘consider’ be used in negative sentences?
Yes. For example: “I do not consider that option viable.” Or “We are not considering any changes at this time.” The negative form works the same way as the positive.
Final Tips for Using ‘consider’ in Your Writing
To write better sentences with consider, remember these three rules:
- Always follow consider with a noun, gerund, or “that” clause – never with “to” + verb.
- Do not add “about” after consider.
- Use consider in formal writing to sound more professional than “think about.”
For more help with business vocabulary, visit our Writing Sentence Examples section. You can also check our Common Usage Mistakes page for other tricky words. If you have questions, see our FAQ or contact us directly.