On social media, consider usually means “to think about something carefully before making a decision” or “to take something into account.” It is used when someone is weighing options, giving advice, or asking for opinions. Unlike in formal writing, where it often appears in structured arguments, on social media it is common in casual posts, comments, and direct messages. For example, a user might say, “Consider unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad,” which is a gentle suggestion rather than a command.
Quick Answer
On social media, consider means to think about or evaluate something before acting. It is used to suggest an idea, ask for reflection, or express that something is worth thinking about. It is less direct than “do this” and more polite than “you should.” You will see it in posts about self-improvement, product reviews, relationship advice, and even memes.
How consider Is Used on Social Media
The word consider appears in several common patterns on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Understanding these patterns helps you use it naturally.
1. Giving Gentle Advice or Suggestions
People use consider to offer advice without sounding bossy. It softens the message.
- “Consider taking a break from social media today.”
- “If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider muting certain keywords.”
- “Consider following accounts that inspire you instead of ones that make you compare.”
2. Asking for Opinions or Feedback
In comments or polls, consider is used to invite others to think about a topic.
- “Do you consider this a good investment?”
- “Consider this: Is it better to post daily or only when you have something valuable?”
- “What do you consider the most important factor when choosing a new phone?”
3. Expressing Personal Reflection
Users share their own thought processes using consider.
- “I am considering deleting my old posts.”
- “After reading that thread, I now consider the issue from a different angle.”
- “I never considered how my comments might affect someone else.”
4. In Product or Service Reviews
Influencers and regular users often say consider when recommending or warning about something.
- “Consider this before buying that skincare product.”
- “I would not consider this app worth the subscription fee.”
- “Many people consider this the best budget camera for beginners.”
Formal vs. Informal Tone on Social Media
On social media, consider can be used in both formal and informal ways, but the context changes the tone.
| Context | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Casual post | “Consider this your sign to start that project.” | Informal, friendly |
| Professional advice | “Consider reviewing your privacy settings regularly.” | Neutral, helpful |
| Comment or reply | “I would consider that a red flag.” | Informal, opinionated |
| Brand or business post | “Consider our new feature for better scheduling.” | Formal, promotional |
In direct messages or group chats, consider is less common because people speak more directly. You are more likely to hear “think about” or “maybe” in casual conversation. For example, a friend might say, “Maybe think about unfollowing them,” instead of “Consider unfollowing them.”
Natural Examples from Social Media
Here are examples that sound like real posts or comments you might see online.
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Twitter (X): “Consider this: if you spend 3 hours scrolling every day, that is 45 full days a year. Is it worth it?”
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Instagram caption: “Consider unfollowing accounts that do not add value to your life. Your mental health matters.”
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Facebook comment: “I would consider that movie overrated. The plot was weak.”
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TikTok video text: “Consider trying this hack before you throw away your old jeans.”
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Reddit post: “I am considering moving to a new city for a job. Has anyone done this? Any advice?”
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LinkedIn post: “Consider how your online presence reflects your professional brand. Every post matters.”
Common Mistakes with consider on Social Media
English learners often make errors when using consider online. Here are the most frequent ones.
Mistake 1: Using “consider to” Instead of “consider + gerund”
Incorrect: “I consider to unfollow that account.”
Correct: “I consider unfollowing that account.”
After consider, use the -ing form (gerund), not the infinitive. This is a fixed grammar rule.
Mistake 2: Confusing “consider” with “think about”
While similar, consider is slightly more formal and implies deeper thought. “Think about” is more casual and common in everyday chat.
- Casual: “Think about what I said.”
- Slightly more formal: “Consider what I said.”
Mistake 3: Using “consider” as a Command
On social media, consider is rarely used as a strong command. Saying “Consider this now!” sounds unnatural. Instead, use it as a suggestion.
Awkward: “Consider unfollow me.”
Natural: “Consider unfollowing me if my content does not help you.”
Mistake 4: Forgetting the Object
Incorrect: “I consider that is true.”
Correct: “I consider that to be true.” or “I consider that true.”
When consider means “to have an opinion,” it often needs an object complement.
Better Alternatives to consider on Social Media
Depending on the tone and platform, you might choose a different word. Here are common alternatives.
| Word/Phrase | When to Use It | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Think about | Casual conversation, DMs, comments | “Think about joining that group.” |
| Weigh | When comparing options | “Weigh the pros and cons before you decide.” |
| Take into account | More formal advice or reviews | “Take into account the shipping costs.” |
| Reflect on | Personal growth or serious posts | “Reflect on why you feel that way.” |
| Look at | Simple suggestion | “Look at this from another angle.” |
When to Use consider
Use consider when you want to sound thoughtful, polite, or slightly formal. It works well in advice posts, thoughtful comments, and professional contexts. Avoid it in very casual chats where “think about” feels more natural.
Mini Practice: 4 Questions
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
1. Which sentence is correct?
A) I consider to unfollow that page.
B) I consider unfollowing that page.
C) I consider unfollow that page.
2. Fill in the blank: “______ unfollowing accounts that make you feel anxious.”
A) Consider
B) Consider to
C) Considering
3. What does “consider” mean in this tweet? “Consider this before you buy that phone.”
A) Buy the phone immediately.
B) Think carefully about the phone before buying.
C) Ignore the advice.
4. Which is more natural in a casual DM?
A) “Consider my suggestion.”
B) “Think about my suggestion.”
C) “Consider to think about my suggestion.”
Answers:
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. B
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use “consider” in a comment on a friend’s post?
Yes, but it may sound a little formal. If you want to be casual, use “think about” or “maybe.” For example, instead of “Consider deleting that,” say “Maybe think about deleting that.”
2. Is “consider” used differently on Twitter compared to Instagram?
The meaning is the same, but the context differs. On Twitter, consider often appears in short, direct advice or opinions. On Instagram, it is more common in captions and stories where users reflect on lifestyle choices.
3. What is the difference between “consider” and “regard”?
“Consider” means to think about something carefully. “Regard” means to look at or view something in a particular way. For example, “I consider this a good post” means I think it is good after evaluation. “I regard this as a good post” means I view it that way, often based on general opinion.
4. Can I use “consider” in a negative sentence on social media?
Yes. For example, “I do not consider that a valid argument” or “I would not consider that account trustworthy.” It is common in debates or reviews.
Final Tips for Using consider on Social Media
- Use consider when you want to sound polite and thoughtful.
- Always follow it with a gerund (-ing form) or a noun, not an infinitive.
- In casual chats, prefer “think about” or “maybe.”
- In professional or advice posts, consider adds a respectful tone.
- Practice by writing one sentence with consider for each platform you use.
For more help with confusing word meanings, explore our Social Media Context guides or visit our FAQ page. If you have questions, contact us anytime.
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