considering

kuhn-SID-ur-ing/kənˈsɪdəɹɪŋ/

4 meanings of considering

1
taking into accountpreposition
Taking into account; used to introduce a fact that should be weighed when judging a statement.
Considering how little time they had, the team finished an impressive amount of work.
The car still drives smoothly considering its age and high mileage.
UsageFollowed by a noun, or by (that) + a clause: considering her age, considering (that) it rained.
Similargiven
Note
A participle that has hardened into a preposition, which is why it needs no subject of its own. In "considering the extent of his crimes, he was given a surprisingly short sentence," he is not the one doing the considering, yet the sentence is not a dangling modifier. The phrase is usually concessive: it sets up an outcome better or worse than its fact would predict, hence words like surprisingly in the main clause.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
Prepositional considering developed from a participial form of consider. varieng.helsinki.fi
2
thinking aboutverb
Present participle and gerund of consider.
The committee is considering three different proposals this week.
Considering every option carefully is part of any good decision.
UsageFollowed by -ing: considering moving (not ~~incorrect: considering to move~~); or by an object and a description: considering him a friend.
Note
The -ing form does double duty. After be it makes the progressive (is considering a move), and as a gerund it heads a phrase that can stand as subject or object. When it loses a clear subject, as in "considering they are newcomers," it is drifting toward the preposition 'taking into account'.
3
all things toldadverbcolloquial
All things considered; used to acknowledge that something is acceptable given a difficult or limiting situation.
We made decent progress on the renovation today, considering.
Their performance at the final concert was respectable, considering.
UsageComes at the end, usually after a comma: not bad, considering. In careful writing, say what you are considering.
Note
Here the preposition has lost its object. The speaker says considering and leaves the circumstances unsaid, trusting the listener to supply them. It is informal and comes last, usually after a comma, as in your wound doesn't look that bad, considering. Careful writing tends to name what is being considered, using the "taking into account" meaning instead.

Less common meaning

4
careful thoughtnouncountable or uncountable
The act of thinking carefully about something; consideration.
The offer is generous, but it needs some careful considering before we sign anything.
Leaving a steady job to start your own business is the kind of choice that takes some serious considering.
UsageUsually after take or need: it takes some considering, it needs careful considering.
Similarconsideration, thought, deliberation, reflection
Note
The noun can be counted, not only massed. In Henry VIII, William Shakespeare and John Fletcher give the troubled king "many mazed considerings" that throng and press into his breast. These are separate, bewildered trains of thought rather than one act of reflection. That plural, considerings, is the surest sign the word is working as a true noun and not as a gerund.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
Henry VIII is a collaboration between William Shakespeare and John Fletcher. folgerpedia.folger.edu
King Henry VIII speaks the words “many mazed considerings,” describing thoughts thronging and pressing into his breast in Act 2, Scene 4. shakespeare.mit.edu

considering is a form of consider

consider, verb: To regard someone or something as being of a particular kind or quality; to believe that something is so. Full entry

Forms: considerconsiders he/she/itconsidering -ing formconsidered past tense, past participle
Spelling: consider → considering: add -ing

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of considering apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.