In daily communication as well as in formal contexts like academia or business, the ability to provide objective and persuasive reasons is a crucial skill. One of the most effective linguistic tools for this is the structure "Considering...". Not only does it help you present a comprehensive perspective, but "Considering..." also demonstrates that you have carefully weighed relevant factors before reaching a conclusion. This article will delve into how to use this structure professionally, helping you elevate your reasoning and expression skills.

What does "Considering" mean and why is it important?

"Considering" is a preposition or a participle in English that means "taking into account" or "bearing in mind" a particular fact or circumstance. When you use "Considering...", you are signaling to the listener or reader that your opinion, decision, or judgment is made after careful thought about an important factor. This creates an impression of objectivity, fairness, and thoroughness in your reasoning.

The importance of "Considering..." lies in its ability to help you avoid making hasty, one-sided conclusions. Instead of just saying "This project is too expensive," you could say, "Considering the long-term benefits and potential return on investment, the initial cost is justifiable." The second statement clearly carries much more weight and persuasiveness.

How do you use "Considering" correctly in a sentence?

Grammatically, there are two main ways to use "Considering" in a sentence. Mastering both structures will give you more flexibility in your expression.

• Structure 1: Considering + Noun/Noun Phrase, Main Clause
  In this structure, the phrase beginning with "Considering" is placed at the start of the sentence, followed by a comma. It acts as an introductory phrase, providing context for the main clause that follows.
• Examples:
  • Considering his age, he performed remarkably well in the marathon.
  • Considering the heavy traffic, we should probably leave an hour earlier.
• Structure 2: Main Clause + considering + Noun/Noun Phrase
  In this case, "considering" is placed at the end of the sentence to add information or explain the judgment stated in the main clause. This structure usually does not require a comma before it.
• Examples:
  • The team's victory was quite impressive, considering their lack of experience.
  • She's doing very well financially, considering she only started her business last year.

Another variation is to use "Considering the fact that..." followed by a full clause. This structure is more formal and emphasizes an undeniable fact. For example: "Considering the fact that the company is facing financial difficulties, cutting unnecessary expenses is a priority."

How is "Considering" different from "Because" and "Due to"?

This is a very important point that many English learners often get confused about. Although all three words are used to give reasons, their nuances are different:

• Because: Used to show a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It answers the question "Why?". Example: "I was late because the train was delayed." (The train's delay was the direct cause of my lateness.)
• Due to: Similar to "because of," it is more formal and often used to explain the reason for something, especially negative events. Example: "The flight cancellation was due to bad weather."
• Considering: Does not indicate a direct cause. Instead, it introduces a context or factor that should be taken into account when evaluating a situation. It implies a comparison or a judgment based on the circumstances. In the sentence "Considering his age, he is very mature," his age is not the direct cause of his maturity, but a factor that makes his maturity more noteworthy.

What are practical examples of using "Considering" in the Considering IELTS Speaking and Writing tests?

In the IELTS exam, demonstrating complex reasoning and a wide range of vocabulary is key to achieving a high score. "Considering" is an excellent tool for this purpose.

In IELTS Writing Task 2:

When discussing a social issue, you can use "Considering" to present a balanced argument.

Prompt: Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have the freedom to choose their own activities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Application: "On the one hand, a ban on extreme sports seems reasonable, considering the high risk of serious injury or even death. However, on the other hand, considering the principle of individual freedom, adults should be allowed to make their own choices about the risks they are willing to take."

In IELTS Speaking Part 3:

When asked abstract questions that require analysis, "Considering" helps you show thoughtful consideration.

Question: Do you think life is better now than in the past?

Answer: "That's a complex question. I would say that in many ways, life is better now, especially considering the advancements in technology and healthcare. People live longer and have access to more information than ever before. However, life in the past might have been simpler and less stressful, considering the slower pace and stronger community bonds."

How can you practice providing objective reasons with "Considering"?

To master the use of "Considering," you need regular practice. Here are a few exercises you can try:

• Sentence Rewriting: Take simple sentences that use "because" and try to rewrite them with "considering" to change the nuance. For example, "He passed the exam because he studied hard" could be rewritten as "Considering how little time he had to prepare, his passing the exam was very impressive."
• News Analysis: Read a news article about a social or economic issue. Try to summarize the different viewpoints using "Considering...". For example: "Considering the potential for job creation, the government supports the new factory. However, considering its environmental impact, local residents are protesting."
• Speaking Practice: Choose a debate topic (e.g., working from home vs. working in the office) and try to argue for both sides, starting your points with "Considering...".

What are common mistakes to avoid when using "Considering"?

To use "Considering" correctly and professionally, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Confusing it with direct cause: Do not use "Considering" when you want to state a direct cause. Use "because" or "due to" instead. Incorrect: "The game was cancelled considering the rain." Correct: "The game was cancelled because of the rain."
• Incorrect grammatical structure: "Considering" is followed by a noun, noun phrase, or gerund (V-ing). If you want to use a full clause, you must use "Considering the fact that...". Incorrect: "Considering he is young, he is very wise." Correct: "Considering his youth, he is very wise." or "Considering the fact that he is young, he is very wise."
• Overuse: Although "Considering" is a useful structure, overusing it can make your writing or speech repetitive and unnatural. Use it selectively to emphasize points that require special consideration.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "Considering..." is not just about learning a new grammatical structure; it's about equipping yourself with a powerful thinking tool. It forces you to look at issues from multiple angles, weigh relevant factors, and make well-rounded judgments. By integrating "Considering..." into your vocabulary, you will be able to communicate more objectively, persuasively, and professionally in any situation. Start practicing today to make it a natural part of your language skills.

Related Posts:

• Mastering 'For instance' and 'To illustrate' in IELTS Speaking Part 3
• How to Use 'On top of that' to Add Important Points
• Using 'Generally speaking' to Start Your Answers Like a Pro