What Does consider Mean in Text Messages?

In text messages, consider usually means “think about something carefully before making a decision” or “take something into account.” When someone texts you “I’ll consider it,” they are saying they will think about your suggestion, invitation, or request, but they are not committing to a yes or no right away. The word carries a sense of deliberation and often implies that the person is weighing pros and cons. In casual texting, it can also mean “regard” or “view,” as in “I consider you a close friend.” Understanding this nuance helps you read the real intent behind a short message.

Quick Answer: What Does consider Mean in Texts?

In text and chat conversations, consider has two main uses:

• To think about something – “I’ll consider your offer.” (I need time to decide.)
• To have a certain opinion – “I consider this a bad idea.” (This is my view.)

The tone can range from polite and formal to neutral. It is rarely used in very casual slang-heavy chats, but it appears often in work messages, group chats about plans, and thoughtful conversations.

Formal vs. Informal Tone in Texting

The word consider is more common in formal or semi-formal text exchanges. Here is how it fits different contexts:

Formal Tone (Work Emails, Professional Chats)

In professional messages, consider signals careful thought and respect for the other person’s input.

• “Please consider my proposal before the meeting.”
• “We will consider all applications carefully.”

Informal Tone (Friend-to-Friend Texts)

Among friends, consider can sound a bit serious. People often use shorter alternatives like “think about” or “check it out.”

• “I’ll consider it, but no promises.” (Friendly but cautious.)
• “Do you consider that a good movie?” (Asking for an opinion.)

Email vs. Conversation Context

In emails, consider is standard and expected. In real-time chat, it can feel more deliberate. For example:

• Email: “We kindly ask you to consider our revised terms.”
• Text: “Hey, consider joining us for dinner tonight?” (A bit formal for a casual invite.)

Comparison Table: consider vs. Similar Words in Texts

Natural Examples of consider in Text Messages

Here are real-life text exchanges that show how consider is used naturally.

Example 1: Deciding on a Plan

Friend A: “Want to go hiking this Saturday?”
Friend B: “I’ll consider it. I have a lot of work, but it sounds fun.”

Meaning: Friend B is not saying no, but needs time to decide.

Example 2: Giving an Opinion

Person A: “Do you consider this a good investment?”
Person B: “I consider it risky, honestly.”

Meaning: Person B is sharing their personal view.

Example 3: Polite Request

Boss: “Please consider working late tomorrow.”
Employee: “I will consider it and let you know.”

Meaning: The employee is being polite but not agreeing yet.

Example 4: Group Chat

Person A: “Should we order pizza?”
Person B: “I consider pizza a perfect food.”
Person C: “I’ll consider it after I check my budget.”

Meaning: Two different uses in one chat – opinion and deliberation.

Common Mistakes with consider in Texts

English learners often make these errors when using consider in messages.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Object

❌ “I will consider.” (Incomplete – consider what?)
✅ “I will consider your suggestion.”

Mistake 2: Using it for Instant Decisions

❌ “I consider going now.” (Sounds unnatural for a quick action.)
✅ “I think I’ll go now.” or “I’m considering going now.”

Mistake 3: Confusing with “consider as”

❌ “I consider him as a friend.” (Unnecessary “as.”)
✅ “I consider him a friend.”

Mistake 4: Overusing in Casual Chats

❌ “Consider this meme funny.” (Too formal for a meme.)
✅ “This meme is funny.”

Better Alternatives to consider in Texting

Depending on the situation, you might choose a different word to sound more natural.

• For casual decisions: “I’ll think about it.”
• For quick opinions: “I think…” or “In my view…”
• For polite requests: “Please look at…” or “Could you check…”
• For strong opinions: “I see this as…” or “I believe…”

When to Use consider

Use consider when you want to sound thoughtful, respectful, or slightly formal. It works well in work messages, polite refusals, and when you want to show you are taking something seriously. Avoid it in very fast, casual chats where a simple “okay” or “maybe” fits better.

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Try these 4 questions. Answers are below.

Question 1

Your friend texts: “I’ll consider your idea.” What does this mean?
A) They agree completely.
B) They will think about it before deciding.
C) They don’t like the idea.

Question 2

Which sentence is correct?
A) “I consider this movie as boring.”
B) “I consider this movie boring.”
C) “I consider this movie is boring.”

Question 3

You want to politely ask your boss to think about your proposal. Which is best?
A) “Consider my proposal, okay?”
B) “Please consider my proposal.”
C) “You should consider my proposal.”

Question 4

In a casual text to a friend, which sounds most natural?
A) “I consider we should eat pizza.”
B) “I think we should eat pizza.”
C) “I consider pizza as good.”

Answers

Answer 1: B) They will think about it before deciding.
Answer 2: B) “I consider this movie boring.” (No “as” or “is” needed.)
Answer 3: B) “Please consider my proposal.” (Polite and clear.)
Answer 4: B) “I think we should eat pizza.” (Casual and natural.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use “consider” in a romantic text?

Yes, but it can sound formal. For example, “I consider you special” is sweet but a bit stiff. “I think you’re special” feels warmer in most romantic chats.

2. Is “consider” the same as “think about”?

Very similar, but consider is slightly more formal and often implies deeper thought. “Think about” is more common in everyday conversation.

3. What does “I’ll consider it” really mean in a text?

It usually means “maybe” or “I need time.” It is not a yes or a no. If someone wants to say yes, they usually say “yes” directly. “I’ll consider it” is often a polite way to delay a decision.

4. Can I use “consider” in a group chat?

Yes, but it may stand out as more formal. For example, “I consider this a good plan” is fine, but “I think this is a good plan” sounds more natural in most group chats.

Final Tip for Learners

When you see consider in a text, pay attention to the context. If someone says “I’ll consider it,” don’t expect an immediate answer. If they say “I consider you a friend,” they are sharing a personal opinion. Practice using it in your own messages, but remember that in very casual chats, simpler words like “think” or “maybe” often work better. For more help with confusing word meanings in texts, explore our Text and Chat Usage guides. If you have questions about how we write our explanations, see our Editorial Policy or visit our FAQ page.