Vastny Languages editorial team
Consider, think, regard, and view: what's the difference?
Consider can mean think carefully about something or judge it in a particular way. Think is broader. Regard and view often express how you see someone or something: regard or view it as useful.
Consider can mean think carefully about something or judge it in a particular way. Think is broader. Regard and view often express how you see someone or something: regard or view it as useful.
Which word fits here?
Use consider for careful thought: consider an offer. For a judgment, say consider it useful or consider it to be useful.
Use think for thoughts and opinions: think about a problem or think that an idea will work.
Use regard with as to express an assessment: regard someone as an expert.
Use view with as when describing a perspective or assessment: view a change as an opportunity.
How to choose a word
Use consider for careful thought: consider an offer. For a judgment, say consider it useful or consider it to be useful.
Use think for thoughts and opinions: think about a problem or think that an idea will work.
Use regard with as to express an assessment: regard someone as an expert.
Use view with as when describing a perspective or assessment: view a change as an opportunity.
Word by word
consider
Use consider for careful thought: consider an offer. For a judgment, say consider it useful or consider it to be useful.
We need to consider all the risks before we sign the contract.
They are considering moving to a smaller office.
think
Use think for thoughts and opinions: think about a problem or think that an idea will work.
I think we should call her today.
Stop and think before you answer.
regard
Use regard with as to express an assessment: regard someone as an expert.
Many fans regard her as the best player in the league.
The proposal was regarded with suspicion by the board.
view
Use view with as when describing a perspective or assessment: view a change as an opportunity.
The team views the delay as a serious problem.
How do you view his decision to resign?
