The Art of Thought: Understanding the Word "Consider"
Every single day, your mind is constantly active, processing information and making choices. From the moment you wake up and consider which coffee blend to brew to the moment you lie down and reflect on your day, you are engaging in a mental process that defines human decision-making. At its core, the verb "consider" is about more than just thinking; it is about looking at the world with intention, care, and attention to detail.
Etymology and Core Meaning
The word "consider" has a rich history, traveling to English from the Latin considerare. Originally, this term meant to "look at closely" or "observe." In a modern sense, it captures the act of mental deliberation. When you consider something, you are not merely glancing at it; you are weighing its value, studying its components, and taking various perspectives into account before reaching a conclusion.
How to Use "Consider" in Daily Life
Because "consider" is a versatile verb, it fits into many different contexts—from professional decision-making to showing empathy toward others. Here are the primary ways the word functions:
- Careful Deliberation: When you need to weigh options or think deeply about a potential action. "We are considering the possibility of relocating to a warmer climate next year."
- Showing Empathy: To treat someone with respect or to take their feelings into account. "Please consider your brother’s feelings before you make that joke."
- Judging or Deeming: To hold an opinion about someone or something. "I consider this film to be one of the best works of the decade."
- Exemplification: Used to introduce a point or a scenario for others to examine. "Consider the following scenario: if you had unlimited resources, how would you change your community?"
Grammar Patterns to Remember
Mastering "consider" requires knowing how it fits into a sentence structure. Here are a few common patterns:
- Consider + Gerund (-ing): This is the most common way to talk about future actions or ideas. "Have you considered moving to the city?"
- Consider + Object + (to be) + Complement: Used when you are judging someone’s character or status. "They consider him (to be) a leader in his field."
- Consider + Noun: A straightforward way to express that you are thinking about an object or concept. "We need to consider the budget carefully."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most frequent errors English learners make is adding the word "as" after "consider" when expressing an opinion. For example, you should not say, "I consider him as my friend." Instead, the correct usage is, "I consider him my friend." While "as" feels natural to many speakers, it is grammatically redundant in this specific context.
Additionally, remember that "consider" is a verb of mental state, so it is rarely used in the continuous form (e.g., "I am considering") unless you are currently in the active process of thinking about a specific decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "consider" the same as "think about"?
They are very similar, but "consider" often implies a deeper, more analytical process. While "think about" can be casual, "consider" suggests you are weighing pros and cons or looking at the issue from different angles.
Can I use "consider" in a formal setting?
Yes, it is highly professional. In business environments, using "consider" shows that you are thoughtful, analytical, and respectful of different viewpoints.
What is the noun form of "consider"?
The noun form is consideration. You might hear the phrase "take into consideration," which is a very common way to say that you have included a specific factor in your final decision.
Conclusion
The next time you find yourself standing at a crossroads, remember the power of the word "consider." It is an invitation to slow down, look closely at your surroundings, and weigh your options with intelligence and empathy. Whether you are considering a career change or simply considering which path to take on a morning walk, you are practicing the essential human skill of careful, conscious thought.