Consideration of vs. Consideration for – Which is Correct?
Both “consideration of” and “consideration for” are correct, but they serve different purposes. Use “consideration of” when referring to thoughtful examination of an idea, issue, or option. Use “consideration for” when referring to regard, suitability, or a benefit intended for someone. Context determines the appropriate preposition clearly.
consideration of or consideration for – Which is Correct?
Both expressions are grammatically correct, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence. Consideration of usually introduces the subject being examined, discussed, or evaluated. Consideration for usually identifies a person or group receiving regard, preference, recognition, or an opportunity.
For example, “The committee gave consideration of the proposal” means that the committee examined the proposal. By contrast, “The employer showed consideration for the applicants” means that the employer treated the applicants thoughtfully or respectfully.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use this simple mental test: ask whether the phrase means examining something or showing regard for someone. If you are examining an issue, choose of. If you are showing kindness, respect, preference, or eligibility toward someone, choose for.
You can also remember the pattern this way: consideration of a subject, but consideration for a person. The distinction is not absolute, because “consideration for” can also refer to suitability or eligibility, as in “consideration for promotion.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| consideration of | Noun phrase with preposition | Examination or evaluation of something | The consideration of environmental risks delayed the project. |
| consideration for | Noun phrase with preposition | Regard, concern, preference, or eligibility involving someone or something | Her consideration for others made her an effective manager. |
How to Use consideration of
Consideration of is used when a person, group, or institution carefully examines, discusses, evaluates, or takes account of something. The object after of is commonly an idea, proposal, factor, request, issue, consequence, or alternative.
This expression is especially common in formal, academic, legal, administrative, and business writing. It often appears with words such as careful, full, further, thorough, and due.
Example 1: The board postponed its decision pending further consideration of the financial report.
Example 2: The policy was revised after careful consideration of public feedback.
Example 3: Consideration of the risks should come before the final approval.
Etymology of the phrase consideration of
Consideration comes from the Latin consideratio, meaning contemplation or careful thought, through Old French and Middle English. It is related to the Latin verb considerare, originally associated with observing the stars and later with examining something thoughtfully. The preposition of identifies the subject being examined.
How to Use consideration for
Consideration for is used when referring to care, respect, sympathy, or regard directed toward a person, group, or interest. It can also describe someone or something being evaluated for a role, award, promotion, position, or benefit.
In the meaning of kindness or regard, the phrase commonly appears with words such as show, have, demonstrate, and lack. In the meaning of eligibility or evaluation, it often appears with verbs such as submit, put forward, recommend, and nominate.
Example 1: The company demonstrated consideration for employees who needed flexible working hours.
Example 2: Her manager put her forward for consideration for the regional director position.
Example 3: The shelter’s rules were designed with consideration for the safety of both visitors and animals.
Etymology of the phrase consideration for
The noun consideration developed from Latin through French and English with meanings connected to thought, attention, and regard. The preposition for adds the sense of direction or intended relationship: concern directed toward someone, or evaluation for a particular role, purpose, or benefit.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between objects being evaluated and people receiving regard makes the choice between these two prepositions much easier.
- Prepositional collocations: Some nouns naturally combine with particular prepositions. English speakers commonly use “consideration of an issue” and “consideration for a person,” although context can allow other combinations.
- Object of evaluation: The thing being examined is often introduced by “of,” as in “consideration of the evidence” or “consideration of several alternatives.”
- Regard and empathy: When consideration means thoughtfulness, politeness, or concern for another person, “for” is generally the natural choice.
- Nomination and eligibility: “For” can identify the position, award, or opportunity for which someone is being evaluated, as in “consideration for a scholarship.”
Examples from Media and Literature
The distinction appears frequently in formal writing, journalism, public announcements, and literary descriptions:
- News reporting: A report may refer to “consideration of new legislation” when lawmakers are examining a proposed law.
- Business communication: A hiring announcement may state that an applicant is “under consideration for the position,” meaning the applicant is being evaluated for that job.
- Public policy: Government documents often discuss “consideration of the environmental impact” of a planned project.
- Literary characterization: A novel may describe a compassionate character as showing “consideration for the feelings of others.”
- Awards coverage: Entertainment or arts journalism may say that a performer is “under consideration for an award,” referring to possible selection or nomination.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence: consideration of or consideration for.
- The committee’s ______ the evidence led to a revised conclusion.
- Her ______ elderly neighbors made her a valued member of the community.
- The applicant is under ______ the senior research position.
- Before construction begins, careful ______ traffic patterns is necessary.
- The organization showed ______ families affected by the natural disaster.
Answer Key
- consideration of — The evidence is being examined.
- consideration for — The phrase refers to kindness and regard toward neighbors.
- consideration for — The applicant is being evaluated for a position.
- consideration of — Traffic patterns are the subject of analysis.
- consideration for — The organization is showing concern for affected families.
consideration of Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Examination of | A careful inspection or analysis of something |
| Evaluation of | An assessment of quality, value, or importance |
| Review of | A formal or general assessment of something |
| Analysis of | A detailed study of the parts or meaning of something |
consideration for Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Regard for | Respect, attention, or concern directed toward someone or something |
| Concern for | Care about another person’s welfare or interests |
| Respect for | Admiration or proper attention given to someone or something |
| Eligibility for | Suitability for a role, award, opportunity, or benefit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is it “consideration of” or “consideration for”?
Both are correct. Use “consideration of” for something being examined or evaluated, and “consideration for” for regard toward someone or evaluation for a particular role, award, or opportunity.
Question 2: Is “under consideration for” correct?
Yes. “Under consideration for” means that a person or thing is being evaluated as a possible choice for a position, award, contract, promotion, or other opportunity.
Question 3: Is “in consideration of” different from “consideration of”?
Yes. “In consideration of” is a formal phrase meaning “because of,” “in exchange for,” or “after taking something into account.” For example, “In consideration of your experience, we approved the request.”
Question 4: Can “consideration for” refer to an object rather than a person?
Yes. It can refer to a project, interest, need, or purpose, as in “The design was developed with consideration for energy efficiency.” However, “consideration of” is usually more natural when the object is being analyzed.
Conclusion
Consideration of generally refers to examining or evaluating a subject, while consideration for usually refers to regard, concern, suitability, or eligibility involving a person or purpose. Neither expression is incorrect; the right choice depends on the intended meaning. Pro Tip: Using the precise preposition in professional writing makes your meaning clearer and strengthens your credibility.
