What Does "under consideration" Mean?
- The phrase "under consideration" means that something is currently being thought about, discussed, or evaluated, usually with the intention of making a decision about it in the future. It implies a process of deliberation.
- The meaning is largely compositional. "Under" indicates a state or condition, and "consideration" refers to the act of thinking carefully about something. The combination creates a specific meaning of active evaluation.
- The register is neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts, but might sound slightly stilted in very informal settings.
How to Use It
- Grammatical pattern: adjective phrase following a linking verb, most commonly a form of "to be" (is, are, was, were).
- Typical subjects are nouns referring to plans, proposals, candidates, ideas, rules, options, or bids. It's often followed by prepositional phrases specifying who is doing the considering (e.g., "under consideration by the committee").
- The components cannot be separated. It's a fixed phrase.
- What sounds unnatural: Using a different preposition (e.g., "in consideration"), using a dynamic verb instead of a linking verb (e.g., "We consider the plan under"), using an inappropriate noun (e.g., "The weather is under consideration").
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from under consideration on Ludwig.guru.
"What's under consideration?" — The New York Times
"More rules are under consideration." — The New Yorker
"In all, four bids are under consideration." — Independent
"He remains under consideration for the Belmont." — The New York Times
"The plan is still under consideration." — Independent
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/under+consideration
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| being considered |
More grammatically flexible; can be used in passive constructions. |
| under review |
Implies a more formal and structured evaluation process. |
| being evaluated |
Emphasizes the assessment aspect; suitable for performance or product contexts. |
| being assessed |
Similar to 'being evaluated', often used in academic or professional settings. |
| in the works |
More informal; suggests something is being developed or planned. |
| on the table |
Indicates something has been proposed and is open for discussion. |
| up for discussion |
Highlights the aspect of open debate and deliberation. |
Common Mistakes
- Learners sometimes confuse it with similar phrases like 'up for consideration,' which has a slightly different nuance, implying something is available or offered for consideration. It's not interchangeable.
- Using an incorrect preposition, such as saying "in consideration" instead of "under consideration," is a common error. The correct preposition is crucial for the phrase to make sense.
- Avoid using dynamic verbs with "under consideration." It's a state, not an action. For example, saying "They consider the proposal under consideration" is redundant and grammatically awkward. Instead, say "The proposal is under consideration".
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| under consideration |
Being thought about or evaluated |
Adjective phrase following a linking verb (usually a form of 'to be') |
Neutral to formal |
FAQs
Can the words in "under consideration" be separated, for example, by an adverb?
No, the phrase "under consideration" functions as a single unit and should not be separated. Inserting words between "under" and "consideration" would disrupt the established collocation and sound unnatural. It's a fixed phrase and should be used as is.
How is "under consideration" different from "being considered"?
While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "under consideration" is a more concise and slightly more formal adjective phrase. "Being considered" is a verb phrase that can be used in more varied grammatical constructions, such as passive sentences: The proposal is being considered by the committee.
What's wrong with saying "in consideration" instead of "under consideration"?
Using "in consideration" is incorrect in this context. While "in consideration of" is a valid phrase meaning "taking into account," the phrase for indicating something is being evaluated is specifically "under consideration". Using "in" instead of "under" changes the meaning and is a common mistake among learners.