Definition of “Consider”
“Consider” is a verb that refers to the act of thinking carefully about something, weighing different factors, or taking something into account before making a decision or forming a judgment. It involves reflection, deliberation, and often requires thoughtful evaluation of possibilities, implications, or consequences.
Uses of “Consider” as a Verb
1. To Think About Something Carefully
“Consider” is often used to describe the process of carefully thinking about something before making a decision, forming an opinion, or taking action.
- Examples:
- “I need to consider all the options before choosing a university.”
- “They are considering whether to move to a new city.”
- “Please consider the consequences before making your decision.”
2. To Take Something into Account
“Consider” can also mean to take something into account or factor it in when evaluating a situation, making a decision, or forming an opinion.
- Examples:
- “We must consider the budget limitations before approving the project.”
- “When planning the trip, consider the weather conditions.”
- “You should consider other people’s feelings in this situation.”
3. To Regard Someone or Something in a Certain Way
“Consider” can also mean to view or regard something or someone in a particular manner, often referring to how they are evaluated or perceived.
- Examples:
- “I consider her to be one of the best artists in the industry.”
- “The team is considering him for the leadership position.”
- “She is widely considered a pioneer in her field.”
4. To Contemplate or Think About a Possibility
“Consider” can imply contemplating or entertaining a possibility or course of action, often when the outcome is still uncertain.
- Examples:
- “He is considering applying for the job.”
- “We’re considering taking a vacation next month.”
- “Have you considered studying abroad for a semester?”
Forms of “Consider”
1. Past Tense and Past Participle: “Considered”
The past tense and past participle of “consider” is “considered.” It describes actions or thoughts that have already occurred.
- Examples:
- “She considered all the feedback before making changes.”
- “They have considered several candidates for the position.”
- “We considered the risks before proceeding with the investment.”
2. Present Participle: “Considering”
The present participle of “consider” is “considering.” It describes ongoing or current thoughts or deliberations.
- Examples:
- “We are considering a change in strategy.”
- “She’s considering enrolling in an online course.”
- “They were considering several options during the meeting.”
Common Phrases with “Consider”
1. “Consider the following”
This phrase is often used to introduce a set of points or options for someone to think about or reflect on.
- Examples:
- “Before making your decision, consider the following facts.”
- “Consider the following steps as part of the solution.”
2. “Consider all angles”
This phrase refers to the act of thinking carefully from multiple perspectives or weighing all aspects of a situation.
- Examples:
- “We need to consider all angles before making a decision on this issue.”
- “She considered all angles of the argument before responding.”
3. “Something to consider”
This phrase is used to suggest that someone should think about or take into account a particular factor or idea.
- Examples:
- “One thing to consider is how this decision will affect your schedule.”
- “There’s something to consider before we finalize the plan.”
4. “Consider yourself”
This phrase is used when asking someone to reflect on their own actions, thoughts, or decisions in relation to others.
- Examples:
- “Consider yourself lucky to have such great opportunities.”
- “You should consider yourself responsible for the outcome.”
Common Mistakes with “Consider”
1. Confusing “Consider” with “Think About”
While “consider” and “think about” are similar, “consider” implies deliberation or careful thought with the intention of making a decision, while “think about” is more casual and doesn’t always imply a decision-making process.
- Incorrect: “I’m just considering my weekend plans.” (If it’s casual thinking)
- Correct: “I’m thinking about my weekend plans.”
2. Using “Consider” Without a Clear Focus
“Consider” often requires an object or specific factor to be clearly identified, otherwise, it can be vague.
- Incorrect: “He needs to consider.”
- Correct: “He needs to consider all the factors before acting.”
Importance of “Consider” in Communication
“Consider” is important in communication because it encourages careful thought, reflection, and balanced decision-making. It signals that the speaker is thoughtfully weighing options or factors before arriving at a conclusion, which can be crucial in negotiations, problem-solving, and planning.
In both personal and professional contexts, considering all possibilities helps ensure that informed decisions are made. It also fosters a sense of fairness and openness in discussions, showing that various viewpoints or factors are being taken into account.
Conclusion
“Consider” is a versatile verb that refers to the process of thinking carefully, taking factors into account, or deliberating before making decisions or forming opinions. It implies thoughtfulness and often involves evaluating different possibilities or perspectives. Understanding how to use “consider” helps improve communication by signaling that a decision or opinion has been formed based on careful reflection and consideration of all relevant factors.