Consider can mean think carefully about a possibility or regard something in a particular way.

The idea

Use consider the evidence or consider taking the bus when thinking about a possibility. For a judgment, use an object and complement: consider the source reliable.

Examples

  • Consider the evidence before deciding.
  • She is considering taking the bus.
  • We considered several alternatives.
  • He considered her proposal carefully.
  • I consider this source reliable.
  • Please consider the possible consequences.

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Watch out

When consider means think about doing an action, use the -ing form: consider taking, rather than consider to take.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the -ing form for the action under consideration. She is considering ___ the bus. (taking / to take)

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    taking

    Taking names the action being considered.

  2. Choose the adjective expressing the judgment. I consider the source ___. (reliable / reliably)

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    reliable

    Reliable gives the judgment about the source.

  3. Choose the past form for yesterday. Yesterday we ___ several alternatives. (consider / considered)

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    considered

    Considered is the regular past form.

Use it today

Describe an option you are considering and explain why you consider a source reliable or unreliable.