Common Mistakes When Using ‘consider’ in a Sentence

The verb consider is one of the most frequently misused words in business English. The most common mistake is adding the word as after consider when it is not needed. For example, saying “I consider him as a reliable partner” is incorrect in standard business English. The correct form is “I consider him a reliable partner.” This article explains the most frequent errors, shows you how to use consider correctly in emails, meetings, and reports, and gives you clear examples you can apply immediately.

Quick Answer: How to Use ‘consider’ Correctly

Use consider in these three main patterns:

• Consider + noun/gerund: “We are considering your proposal.” / “Please consider joining the team.”
• Consider + object + noun/adjective: “I consider her an expert.” / “They consider the project complete.”
• Consider + that clause: “We consider that the deadline is reasonable.”

Do not add as after consider when you mean “to have an opinion.” Use as only when you mean “to think about something in a particular way” (rare in business writing).

Why This Mistake Happens

Many learners translate directly from their native language. In languages like Spanish, French, or Portuguese, the equivalent verb often requires a word meaning “as” or “like.” For example, in Spanish, “considerar como” is correct. But in English, consider already contains the idea of “regard as.” Adding as is redundant and grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

Comparison Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Usage

When You CAN Use ‘consider as’

There is one rare situation where consider as is acceptable: when you are talking about examining something in a particular role or category. This is more common in academic or technical writing. For example:

• “We can consider the data as evidence of a trend.” (Here, as introduces the role.)
• “The court considered the document as admissible.” (Legal context)

In everyday business writing, however, it is safer to avoid consider as entirely. Use regard as or view as if you need that structure.

Common Mistakes with ‘consider’

Mistake 1: Adding ‘as’ after ‘consider’

This is the most frequent error. Learners treat consider like regard or view, which do require as.

Incorrect: “I consider this as a good opportunity.”
Correct: “I consider this a good opportunity.”
Better alternative: “I regard this as a good opportunity.” (If you want to use as, switch the verb.)

Mistake 2: Using ‘consider to’ incorrectly

Some learners write “consider to do something.” This is usually wrong. Use a gerund (verb + -ing) instead.

Incorrect: “We are considering to expand the team.”
Correct: “We are considering expanding the team.”

Mistake 3: Forgetting the object

Consider is a transitive verb. It needs an object.

Incorrect: “I have considered and decided.” (Considered what?)
Correct: “I have considered your proposal and decided.”

Mistake 4: Using ‘consider’ in the wrong tone

In very formal writing, consider can sound too direct. In informal conversation, it can sound stiff. Choose the right verb for the context.

Too formal for casual email: “I consider your idea interesting.”
Better for conversation: “I think your idea is interesting.”
Appropriate for report: “We consider this approach viable.”

Natural Examples in Business Contexts

In Emails

• “Please consider my application for the senior analyst position.”
• “We are considering your request and will respond by Friday.”
• “I consider this project a top priority for the quarter.”

In Meetings

• “Let’s consider the budget implications before we decide.”
• “I consider Sarah the best candidate for the role.”
• “Have you considered outsourcing the IT support?”

In Reports and Proposals

• “The committee considered the proposal and found it acceptable.”
• “We consider market expansion essential for growth.”
• “The data should be considered preliminary until verified.”

Better Alternatives to ‘consider’

Sometimes consider is not the best word. Here are alternatives for different contexts:

• Think about (informal, conversation): “Let me think about your offer.”
• Regard as (formal, with as): “I regard this as a significant achievement.”
• View as (formal, with as): “We view the partnership as beneficial.”
• Evaluate (analytical): “We need to evaluate the risks.”
• Deem (very formal): “The board deemed the proposal unsuitable.”
• Take into account (when weighing factors): “Please take into account the delivery timeline.”

Formal vs. Informal Tone

Consider sits in the middle of the formality scale. It is appropriate for most business writing but can feel too formal in casual conversation.

• Informal (chat with colleague): “I think we should try a different approach.”
• Neutral (standard email): “I consider this a reasonable solution.”
• Formal (official letter): “We consider the matter closed.”

If you are writing to a close colleague, think or believe often sounds more natural. If you are writing to a client or senior executive, consider is perfectly appropriate.

Nuance: ‘consider’ vs. ‘regard’ vs. ‘think of’

These three verbs are often confused. Here is the difference:

• Consider = to have an opinion after thinking. It implies some thought or evaluation. “I consider her qualified.”
• Regard = to have a particular feeling or opinion, often based on respect. Always followed by as. “I regard her as a mentor.”
• Think of = to have an opinion, often less formal. “I think of her as a friend.”

Use consider when you want to sound analytical. Use regard when you want to express respect or value. Use think of in casual settings.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct option for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. We _______ your proposal carefully.
   a) are considering
   b) are considering to review
   c) are considering as
2. I _______ a fair leader.
   a) consider him as
   b) consider him
   c) consider to him
3. Please _______ joining the early morning call.
   a) consider
   b) consider to
   c) consider as
4. The team _______ the deadline unrealistic.
   a) considered as
   b) considered
   c) considered to be as

Answers:

1. a) are considering (Correct: consider + noun)
2. b) consider him (Correct: consider + object + noun, no as)
3. a) consider (Correct: consider + gerund)
4. b) considered (Correct: consider + object + adjective)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I say “consider as” in any situation?

Only in very specific contexts where you are examining something in a particular role, such as “consider the document as evidence.” For everyday business writing, avoid it. Use regard as or view as instead.

2. Is “consider to do” ever correct?

No. Consider is followed by a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive. Say “consider doing” not “consider to do.”

3. What is the difference between “consider” and “think about”?

Consider is more formal and implies careful thought. Think about is more casual and can mean simply having an idea. In a business email, consider sounds more professional.

4. Can I use “consider” in the passive voice?

Yes. For example: “The proposal is being considered by the board.” Or “He is considered an expert in his field.” The passive voice is common in formal reports and official communications.

Final Tip for Learners

To master consider, memorize this simple rule: No “as” after “consider” when giving an opinion. If you catch yourself writing “consider as,” stop and remove the “as.” If you really want to keep the “as,” change the verb to regard or view. Practice with real emails and meeting notes. Within a week, the correct pattern will feel natural.

For more help with common business English errors, explore our Common Usage Mistakes section. You can also find clear examples in our Simple Sentence Examples and Writing Sentence Examples categories. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.