consider

consider — verb

1. to use your mind to weigh different options or possible actions before deciding

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to use your mind to weigh different options or possible actions before deciding what to do

例句

Aiko is considering studying abroad next year in Canada.

consider + gerund: considering studying

The committee considered several options before choosing the cheapest one.

同義詞
  • think about

    more general, less formal; can be used in any context

  • weigh

    emphasises comparing pros and cons of different options

  • contemplate

    suggests longer, deeper reflection, often on future possibilities

反義詞
  • dismiss

    to decide not to think about an option any further

  • ignore

    to deliberately not consider something

文法句型

consider + -ing verb

consider + wh- clause

用法筆記

When followed by a verb, use the -ing form, not the infinitive with 'to'. Say 'consider moving', not 'consider to move'. This sense can be used intransitively with 'about' (e.g., 'We need time to consider about this').

常見錯誤

❌I consider to study in Japan.
✅I consider studying in Japan.
💡After 'consider', use the -ing form, not the to-infinitive.

2. to include a particular fact or subject in your thinking when forming a judgment

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to include a particular fact or subject in your thinking when forming a judgment or making a decision

例句

When considering the total cost, remember to include taxes and delivery fees.

when considering + noun phrase

The judge considered the boy's age before announcing the sentence.

同義詞
反義詞
  • overlook

    to fail to include an important factor

  • disregard

    to intentionally not consider a factor

文法句型

consider + noun phrase (as a factor)

consider + wh- clause

用法筆記

Often used in the fixed phrase 'considering (that)…' as a conjunction meaning 'given the fact that'. This sense overlaps with 'take into account' and is common in formal reasoning and evaluation contexts.

常見錯誤

❌Considering of the weather, we stayed inside.
✅Considering the weather, we stayed inside.
💡No 'of' is needed after 'considering' in this sense.

3. to show respect for someone else's feelings, wishes, or situation by letting the

3.動詞及物C2
釋義

to show respect for someone else's feelings, wishes, or situation by letting them influence your own actions or decisions

例句

Theo always considers his grandmother's feelings before making holiday plans.

considers + possessive + feelings

A good manager considers the needs of every person in the team.

同義詞
  • care about

    more emotional and personal; used more in everyday conversation

  • respect

    implies admiration, not just awareness of feelings

反義詞
  • disregard

    to ignore someone's feelings on purpose

  • neglect

    to fail to think about someone's needs

文法句型

consider + noun phrase (someone's feelings/needs)

用法筆記

This sense is close to 'care about' but is typically used in decisions or actions that have a direct impact on others. The object is usually a person's feelings, needs, or well-being. Less common in questions and negative statements than 'care about'.

常見錯誤

❌Please consider about my feelings.
✅Please consider my feelings.
💡No 'about' is needed after 'consider' in this sense.

4. to have a particular opinion about someone or something based on your judgment —

4.動詞及物B2
釋義

to have a particular opinion about someone or something based on your judgment — for example, considering a film boring, a colleague brilliant, or a plan unrealistic

例句

Most critics consider the novel one of the finest works of the twentieth century.

consider + noun + noun complement

The team considers their coach a fair and honest person.

同義詞
  • regard

    always needs 'as' (regard someone as); slightly more formal

  • deem

    more formal, often used in official or legal contexts

  • view

    suggests a perspective or angle; needs 'as' (view someone as)

文法句型

consider + noun + (to be) + noun/adj

consider + noun + noun/adj

be considered + noun/adj

consider + that-clause

用法筆記

In active sentences, 'consider' can be followed by an object and a noun/adjective complement with or without 'to be' (e.g., 'I consider her (to be) honest'). Omitting 'to be' is more common in everyday English. In passive structures, 'to be' is more frequent (e.g., 'She is considered to be honest').

常見錯誤

❌I consider him as a close friend.
✅I consider him a close friend.
💡Unlike 'regard as', 'consider' usually does not need 'as' before the complement.
❌She considers that he is honest.' (when simpler works)
✅She considers him honest.
💡The that-clause is possible but often heavier than the object+complement pattern.

5. to be widely viewed or judged by others as excellent, admirable, or important in

5.動詞C1
釋義

to be widely viewed or judged by others as excellent, admirable, or important in a particular field or role

例句

Dr. Okafor is considered an expert in tropical medicine across West Africa.

passive: is considered + noun complement

This novel is considered a masterpiece of modern Japanese literature.

同義詞
反義詞

文法句型

be considered + noun/adj (by someone)

用法筆記

Almost always appears in the passive voice ('be considered'). The person or thing being admired is the subject, and the complement states what they are admired as. Distinguish from sense 4 (OPINION): sense 5 implies widespread public admiration, not just a personal belief.

常見錯誤

❌People consider him as a hero.' (mixing patterns)
✅People consider him a hero.' or 'He is considered a hero.
💡Use the passive for the 'admired' sense, or omit 'as' for the opinion sense.

6. to look at someone or something with focused attention, usually in order to form

6.動詞及物B2
釋義

to look at someone or something with focused attention, usually in order to form a judgment or understanding

例句

The detective considered the muddy footprints very carefully before drawing any conclusions.

considered + noun + adverb — visual examination

Rohan considered the old painting for several minutes before saying a word.

同義詞
  • examine

    more technical; suggests systematic inspection

  • study

    implies trying to understand through careful looking

  • scrutinize

    suggests very detailed, critical examination

反義詞
  • ignore

    to not look at or pay attention to

  • glance at

    to look briefly, without focused attention

文法句型

consider + noun phrase (visually or mentally)

用法筆記

This sense focuses on visual or mental scrutiny — studying something with your eyes or mind. It is less common than the 'think about' sense and is often used with adverbs like 'carefully' or 'closely'. Not used for quick glances: 'glance' or 'look at' are better for brief looks.

常見錯誤

❌He considered the book cover for two seconds.' (should be quick action)
✅He glanced at the book cover.
💡'Consider' implies focused attention, not a brief look.

7. taking the time to think through all the relevant facts, especially potential pr

7.動詞C1
釋義

taking the time to think through all the relevant facts, especially potential problems or difficulties, before acting or speaking

例句

After carefully considering the risks, Nadia decided not to climb the mountain alone.

after considering + noun phrase — thought-before-action pattern

The manager considered the budget problems before announcing any changes.

同義詞
反義詞

文法句型

of someone to consider + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense emphasises thoroughness and caution — examining all aspects, especially the difficult or problematic ones, before acting. It often appears in the phrase 'It is/was + adjective + of someone to consider…' to praise someone for being thoughtful.