To Consider vs Considering Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To consider (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to consider" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I have to consider all the options before making a decision.

Considering (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "considering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Considering the circumstances, it's best to postpone the event.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To consider (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To consider different perspectives is important in critical thinking.

  To consider different perspectives is important in critical thinking.

  • "*To consider* different perspectives" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in critical thinking).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to consider her opinion.

  She wants me to consider her opinion.

  • "Me *to consider* her opinion" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to consider* her opinion).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need more time to consider the proposal.

  I need more time to consider the proposal.

  • "*To consider* the proposal" modifies the noun "time."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (more time *to consider* the proposal).

Considering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Considering his experience, he is the best candidate for the job.

  Considering his experience, he is the best candidate for the job.

  • "*Considering* his experience" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the best candidate for the job).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy considering different possibilities.

  I enjoy considering different possibilities.

  • "*Considering* different possibilities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*considering* different possibilities).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for problem-solving, considering various factors.

  She has a talent for problem-solving, considering various factors.

  • "*Considering* various factors" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for problem-solving, *considering* various factors).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

He plans to consider all the possibilities before making a decision.

They hope to consider their options before accepting the job offer.

She wants to consider all the factors before buying a house.

We decided to consider the pros and cons before choosing a college.

They agreed to consider each other's opinions during the meeting.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys considering different viewpoints in a debate.

They recommend considering all the options before making a decision.

I dislike considering worst-case scenarios.

She avoids considering negative feedback.

Can you imagine considering a different career path?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to consider your proposal. I would like considering your proposal.

We started to consider alternative solutions. We started considering alternative solutions.

He began to consider other possibilities. He began considering other possibilities.