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Prepositions after verbs

Consider in, as, by, for, or before?

Consider is most often used without a preposition. Consider as is sometimes used but often unnecessary. Other prepositions usually introduce separate meanings such as purpose, method, or time.

Quick answer

How is consider used with prepositions?

Consider usually takes a direct object: consider the proposal. Consider as appears in some contexts, especially in formal English, but many sentences work better without as. For, by, in, and before usually belong to other parts of the sentence rather than forming fixed combinations with consider.

We will consider the offer tomorrow.
Many people consider her as a strong leader.
The committee considered the issue before the vote.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
consider + object

Thinking carefully about something

This is the most common and natural structure.

They are considering a merger this year.
Please consider my suggestion carefully.
2
consider + object + adjective/noun

Having an opinion about someone or something

Use consider directly before a description or role.

Many experts consider the plan effective.
She is considered a pioneer in the field.
3
consider as + noun

Formal or optional use with roles

Consider as appears in some formal varieties, but as is often omitted in modern English.

They consider him as a close friend.
The group considered the project as a success.
4
consider for + purpose/role

Evaluating suitability

Use for when evaluating someone or something for a position or purpose.

She is being considered for the role of director.
The land was considered for redevelopment.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
consider in
We considered the problem in detail.
in usually introduces manner or context, not a fixed pattern after consider
consider as
Many regard him as brilliant, though many also say consider him brilliant.
as is possible but often optional
consider by
The case was considered by the committee.
by introduces the agent in a passive sentence
consider for
She was considered for promotion.
evaluate suitability for a role or purpose
consider before
Think carefully before you consider resigning.
before introduces time or sequence, not a fixed verb pattern

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Adding as unnecessarily

In many sentences, consider works naturally without as.

✕ They consider her as intelligent. ✓ They consider her intelligent.

Using in as a required preposition

Consider does not normally take in directly after it.

✕ We considered in the proposal. ✓ We considered the proposal.

Confusing passive by with a verb pattern

By in passive sentences names the person or group doing the considering.

✕ The manager considered by the team. ✓ The manager was considered by the team.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company is considering her ___ the new position.
2. Many scientists consider the theory ___ outdated.
3. We considered the proposal ___ making a decision.

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Frequently asked questions

Is consider as wrong?

Not always. It appears in formal and regional usage, but many modern sentences sound more natural without as.

Can consider be followed directly by a noun?

Yes. Consider commonly takes a direct object, such as consider the idea or consider the risks.

What is the difference between consider and consider for?

Consider means think about or judge. Consider for means evaluate suitability for a role, award, or purpose.

calculate, by, calculate, in, calculate, from "call for" or "call on"? "campaign for" or "campaign against"? cancel by, due, at, in or for? capitulate to, in, like, by or after? captivate by, for, with, from or in? "capture by" or "capture in"? "care about" or "care for"? carry with, by, in, to or into? carve into, out, in, on or with? cast in, into, for, by or on? "catch in", "catch by" or "catch on"?

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