Consider as vs. Consider to be

Attribute	Consider as	Consider to be
Definition	Viewing something in a particular way or role	Regard something as being
Subjectivity	More subjective	Less subjective
Usage	Commonly used in informal contexts	Commonly used in formal contexts
Emphasis	Emphasizes perception or interpretation	Emphasizes identity or essence

Definition

Consider as and consider to be are two phrases that are often used interchangeably in English. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they are used in a sentence.

Consider as

The phrase "consider as" is typically used when talking about someone or something in a specific role or context. For example, you might say, "I consider him as a friend," meaning that you view him in the role of a friend. This phrase is often used to express how someone or something is perceived or categorized.

Another example of using "consider as" would be, "I consider this project as a priority." In this case, the project is being viewed in the context of being a priority among other tasks or projects.

Consider to be

On the other hand, the phrase "consider to be" is used when stating an opinion or belief about someone or something. For instance, you might say, "I consider him to be a talented musician," indicating your belief about his musical abilities. This phrase is often used to express personal judgments or evaluations.

Another example of using "consider to be" would be, "I consider this decision to be the best course of action." In this case, the decision is being evaluated and judged as the most favorable option.

Usage

When deciding whether to use "consider as" or "consider to be" in a sentence, it is important to consider the context and the intended meaning. If you are talking about how someone or something is perceived or categorized, "consider as" would be the appropriate choice. On the other hand, if you are expressing a personal opinion or judgment, "consider to be" would be more suitable.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "consider as" and "consider to be":

• I consider him as a mentor. (perceived role)
• I consider him to be a mentor. (personal judgment)
• She considers this book as a classic. (perceived categorization)
• She considers this book to be a classic. (personal evaluation)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "consider as" and "consider to be" may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that can impact the overall message of a sentence. Understanding when to use each phrase can help you communicate your thoughts and opinions more effectively in English.