When it comes to choosing the right word for a sentence, it can be easy to get confused between similar-sounding words. Two such words are concerning and considering. Both words are often used interchangeably, but is that correct? Let’s explore the difference between these two words.
Concerning and considering are both prepositions, but they have different meanings. Concerning means about or regarding, while considering means taking into account or thinking about.
So, which of these words is the proper one to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you want to talk about something that is related to a particular topic, you should use concerning. On the other hand, if you want to talk about something that you are taking into account or thinking about, you should use considering.
Throughout this article, we will delve deeper into the meanings of concerning and considering and provide examples of when to use each word.
Define Concerning
Concerning is a preposition that is used to indicate a subject or topic that is related to or affecting someone or something. It can also be used to express worry or anxiety about something. For example:
- “The report concerning the company’s financial performance was released yesterday.”
- “I am concerned concerning the safety of the new product.”
Define Considering
Considering is a preposition that is used to indicate that a particular fact or circumstance is being taken into account when making a decision or forming an opinion. It can also be used to mean “in view of” or “taking into consideration”. For example:
- “Considering the cost of living in this city, the salary is quite reasonable.”
- “I am considering applying for a job at the company.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. Two words that are often confused are “concerning” and “considering.” While they may seem similar in meaning, they have distinct uses in a sentence.
How To Use “Concerning” In A Sentence
“Concerning” is a preposition that is used to indicate the subject or matter that is being discussed. It is often used to introduce a topic or to provide further information about a particular subject.
For example:
- Concerning the new project, we need to have a meeting to discuss the timeline.
- The report was concerning the company’s financial performance over the past year.
It is important to note that “concerning” is not interchangeable with “about” or “regarding.” While they may have similar meanings, “concerning” is more formal and is often used in legal or academic contexts.
How To Use “Considering” In A Sentence
“Considering” is a conjunction that is used to introduce a clause that contrasts with or provides additional information about the main clause of a sentence. It is often used to express a condition or a concession.
For example:
- Considering the weather, we should bring an umbrella.
- He did well on the test, considering he didn’t study much.
“Considering” can also be used as a preposition to indicate a particular viewpoint or perspective.
For example:
- Considering her background in finance, she is well-suited for the job.
- He made the decision based on the information available, considering the time constraints.
It is important to note that “considering” should not be used interchangeably with “regarding” or “about.” While they may have similar meanings, “considering” implies a particular perspective or viewpoint, while “regarding” or “about” are more general.
More Examples Of Concerning & Considering Used In Sentences
Here are some additional examples of how to use the words “concerning” and “considering” in a sentence:
Examples Of Using “Concerning” In A Sentence:
- Concerning the new policy, employees will need to attend a mandatory training session.
- The report raised several concerns concerning the company’s financial stability.
- She wrote a letter to the editor concerning the recent increase in crime in the neighborhood.
- Concerning the weather, it looks like it’s going to rain all week.
- There are many questions concerning the safety of the new vaccine.
- Concerning the budget, we need to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
- The memo addressed concerns concerning the lack of diversity in the workplace.
- Concerning the upcoming election, there are several key issues that will be debated.
- He expressed his concerns concerning the direction the company was headed.
- Concerning the project timeline, we need to make sure we stay on track.
Examples Of Using “Considering” In A Sentence:
- Considering the circumstances, I think we made the best decision we could.
- We decided to cancel the picnic, considering the weather forecast.
- Considering his experience, he was the best candidate for the job.
- She decided to stay home, considering how tired she was feeling.
- Considering the amount of work we have to do, we should probably start early.
- He made the decision to invest in the company, considering its strong financial history.
- Considering the cost, we decided to go with a cheaper option.
- She decided to take the job, considering the potential for growth and development.
- Considering the risks, we need to make sure we have a solid plan in place.
- He chose the restaurant, considering their excellent reviews and reputation.
These examples demonstrate how “concerning” and “considering” can be used to convey different meanings and contexts in a sentence. By using these words effectively, you can add depth and nuance to your writing and communication.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
In the English language, there are several words that sound similar but have different meanings. Two such words are concerning and considering. These words are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Mistake 1: Using Concerning Instead Of Considering
One common mistake is using concerning instead of considering. Concerning is often used to indicate worry or anxiety, while considering is used to indicate thought or contemplation.
| Incorrect Usage: | Concerning the current situation, we should take action. |
|---|---|
| Correct Usage: | Considering the current situation, we should take action. |
Mistake 2: Using Considering Instead Of Concerning
Another common mistake is using considering instead of concerning. Concerning is used to indicate relevance or connection, while considering is used to indicate thought or contemplation.
| Incorrect Usage: | I am considering about your health. |
|---|---|
| Correct Usage: | I am concerned about your health. |
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of both words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Read and listen carefully to how these words are used in context.
- Double-check the definition of the word you want to use before using it.
- Practice using these words correctly in your writing and speech.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “concerning” and “considering,” context plays a crucial role. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a closer look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “concerning” and “considering” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | Concerning the matter at hand, we believe that… | Concerning |
| Informal Speaking | Considering how busy she is, I doubt she’ll have time to come. | Considering |
| Legal Documents | The contract shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state concerning contract interpretation. | Concerning |
| Academic Writing | Considering the limitations of our study, we conclude that… | Considering |
As you can see from these examples, the choice between “concerning” and “considering” can vary depending on the context. In formal writing, “concerning” may be more appropriate, while in informal speaking, “considering” may be a better fit. In legal documents, “concerning” may be necessary to convey legal language, while in academic writing, “considering” may be used to introduce limitations or other factors that impact the study’s conclusions.
Ultimately, the choice between “concerning” and “considering” should be based on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word and the contexts in which they are appropriate, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
When The Rules For Using “Concerning” Might Not Apply:
There are certain situations where the use of “concerning” might not follow the general rules. These exceptions are:
- Legal Terminology: In legal terminology, “concerning” is often used to refer to a specific legal matter or case. For example, “The case concerning the disputed property is still ongoing.” In this case, “concerning” is used to indicate a specific legal matter and cannot be replaced with “considering”.
- Formal Writing: In formal writing, “concerning” is often used to convey a sense of formality and precision. For example, “The report concerning the new product launch was presented to the board members.” In this case, “concerning” is used to convey a sense of professionalism and cannot be replaced with “considering”.
- Idiomatic Expressions: There are certain idiomatic expressions where “concerning” is used instead of “considering”. For example, “As far as I’m concerned” is an expression that means “in my opinion”. In this case, “concerned” cannot be replaced with “considering” without changing the meaning of the expression.
When The Rules For Using “Considering” Might Not Apply:
Similarly, there are certain situations where the use of “considering” might not follow the general rules. These exceptions are:
- Contrasting Two Options: When contrasting two options, “considering” is often used to introduce the second option. For example, “Considering the high cost of living in the city, I might move to the suburbs.” In this case, “considering” is used to introduce the second option and cannot be replaced with “concerning”.
- Informal Writing: In informal writing, “considering” is often used as a more casual alternative to “concerning”. For example, “I’m not sure what to do, considering the situation.” In this case, “considering” is used to convey a more relaxed tone and cannot be replaced with “concerning”.
- Conditional Statements: In conditional statements, “considering” is often used to introduce a hypothetical situation. For example, “Considering the weather, we might need to cancel the outdoor event.” In this case, “considering” is used to introduce a hypothetical situation and cannot be replaced with “concerning”.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of concerning and considering in sentences can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either concerning or considering:
- _________ the weather, we decided to stay indoors.
- _________ the safety of our children, we installed a security system.
- _________ his experience, he should be able to handle the job.
- _________ the budget, we cannot afford to buy a new car.
Answer Key:
- Considering
- Concerning
- Considering
- Concerning
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage
Identify whether the following sentences use concerning or considering correctly:
| Sentence | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| Concerning the budget, we cannot afford to buy a new car. | Correct |
| Considering the weather, we decided to stay indoors. | Correct |
| Considering his experience, he should be able to handle the job. | Correct |
| Concerning his experience, he should be able to handle the job. | Incorrect |
Explanation: The correct usage of concerning and considering is based on the context of the sentence. Concerning is used to indicate a subject or topic that is being discussed, while considering is used to indicate a factor that is being taken into account. In the first three sentences, the usage is correct. In the last sentence, concerning is used incorrectly because it should be considering.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between “concerning” and “considering,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. While “concerning” refers to something that is related to or about a particular topic, “considering” indicates that a particular factor is being taken into account when making a decision or forming an opinion.
It is important to pay attention to the specific meanings of words in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. By using the correct word in the appropriate context, we can convey our intended message clearly and accurately.
To further improve your grammar and language use, there are many resources available such as online courses, books, and writing groups. Continuously learning and practicing good language habits can greatly enhance your communication skills and help you achieve your goals.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.