Considerable vs Considerably: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference. One common dilemma is deciding between “considerable” and “considerably.” Both words sound similar, but they have different meanings and uses. So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context.

“Considerable” is an adjective that means “large in size, amount, or extent.” For example, “The company made a considerable profit last year.” In this sentence, “considerable” emphasizes the size of the profit.

“Considerably,” on the other hand, is an adverb that means “to a great extent or degree.” For example, “The company’s profits increased considerably after they launched their new product.” In this sentence, “considerably” emphasizes the degree of the increase in profits.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use “considerable” and when to use “considerably.”

Define Considerable

Considerable is an adjective that describes something that is significant or noteworthy in size, quantity, or extent. It can also refer to something that is important or worthy of attention.

For example, a considerable amount of time and effort went into planning the event. The company experienced a considerable increase in sales this quarter. The athlete showed considerable skill and determination in the competition.

When used in a negative context, considerable can imply a negative connotation. For instance, if someone says “I have a considerable amount of debt,” it suggests a burdensome or overwhelming amount.

Define Considerably

Considerably is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a significant degree or extent. It implies that there has been a notable change or difference in something.

For example, the temperature has dropped considerably since yesterday. The company’s profits have increased considerably over the past year. The team’s performance has improved considerably since their last game.

Considerably can also be used to express a comparison between two things. For instance, “The new model is considerably faster than the old one.” This implies that there is a significant difference in speed between the two models.

Comparison of considerable vs considerably

Word	Part of speech	Definition
Considerable	Adjective	Significant or noteworthy in size, quantity, or extent. Can also imply importance or worthiness of attention.
Considerably	Adverb	Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a significant degree or extent. Implies a notable change or difference.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

As a writer, it is important to have a strong understanding of the English language and its nuances. One common area of confusion is the difference between “considerable” and “considerably”. Here is a guide on how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Considerable” In A Sentence

“Considerable” is an adjective that describes something that is large or significant in size, amount, or degree. It is often used to emphasize the importance or magnitude of something.

For example:

• The company made a considerable profit last quarter.
• She showed considerable talent in her art class.
• The project will require a considerable amount of time and resources.

When using “considerable” in a sentence, it is important to consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning. It is also worth noting that “considerable” is typically used in formal or professional writing.

How To Use “Considerably” In A Sentence

“Considerably” is an adverb that modifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb to indicate a large degree or extent. It is often used to compare two things or describe a change in something.

For example:

• The new software program is considerably faster than the old one.
• He has considerably improved his grades since last semester.
• The restaurant prices are considerably higher than they were last year.

When using “considerably” in a sentence, it is important to ensure that it is modifying the correct word and accurately reflects the intended meaning. It is also worth noting that “considerably” is typically used in informal or conversational writing.

More Examples Of Considerable & Considerably Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the usage of the words “considerable” and “considerably”, it is important to see them in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using considerable In A Sentence

• After the storm, there was a considerable amount of damage to the town.
• The company experienced a considerable loss in profits this quarter.
• He has a considerable amount of experience in the field.
• It takes a considerable amount of time to learn a new language.
• The project required a considerable amount of resources to complete.
• There is a considerable amount of evidence to support this theory.
• She made a considerable effort to improve her grades.
• The book had a considerable impact on my life.
• There was a considerable delay in the delivery of the package.
• He has a considerable amount of wealth.

Examples Of Using considerably In A Sentence

• The new system has considerably improved our efficiency.
• The price has been considerably reduced since last week.
• The company’s profits have decreased considerably over the past year.
• She has considerably more experience than her colleagues.
• The project was considerably more complex than we anticipated.
• The new policy has considerably impacted our operations.
• His health has considerably improved since he started exercising.
• The team’s performance has considerably declined in recent games.
• The company’s reputation has been considerably damaged by the scandal.
• The new product has considerably exceeded our sales expectations.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words considerable and considerably, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Considerable” As An Adverb

One common mistake is using “considerable” as an adverb instead of “considerably.” For example, saying “He ran considerable fast” instead of “He ran considerably fast.” This mistake can be avoided by remembering that “considerable” is an adjective and should be used to describe a noun, while “considerably” is an adverb and should be used to modify a verb or an adjective.

Using “Considerably” As An Adjective

Another mistake is using “considerably” as an adjective instead of “considerable.” For example, saying “He made a considerably effort” instead of “He made a considerable effort.” This mistake can be avoided by remembering that “considerable” is an adjective and should be used to describe a noun, while “considerably” is an adverb and should be used to modify a verb or an adjective.

Confusing “Considerable” With “Considerate”

Some people also confuse “considerable” with “considerate,” which means showing kindness or thoughtfulness. For example, saying “He was very considerable of her feelings” instead of “He was very considerate of her feelings.” This mistake can be avoided by remembering that “considerable” means large in size, amount, or degree, while “considerate” means showing consideration or thoughtfulness.

Offering Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the difference between “considerable” and “considerably.” Here are some tips:

• Remember that “considerable” is an adjective and should be used to describe a noun.
• Remember that “considerably” is an adverb and should be used to modify a verb or an adjective.
• Double-check your usage to make sure you are using the correct word.
• If you are unsure, consult a dictionary or a grammar guide.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “considerable” and “considerably” can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words are adjectives that describe the extent or magnitude of something, but they are used differently in different situations.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “considerable” and “considerably” might change:

• Financial Context: In a financial context, “considerable” might be used to describe a large amount of money, while “considerably” might be used to describe a significant change in financial status. For example, “He made a considerable amount of money from his investments” versus “His financial status improved considerably after he got a new job.”
• Physical Context: In a physical context, “considerable” might be used to describe a large size or amount of something, while “considerably” might be used to describe a significant change in physical condition. For example, “The building was a considerable size” versus “He has improved his physical condition considerably since he started exercising.”
• Social Context: In a social context, “considerable” might be used to describe a significant amount of attention or respect given to someone, while “considerably” might be used to describe a significant change in social status. For example, “She received considerable attention for her work” versus “His social status improved considerably after he was promoted.”

As you can see, the choice between “considerable” and “considerably” depends on the specific context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the meaning and connotations of each word before deciding which one to use in your writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of “considerable” and “considerably” follows a set of rules, there are exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning than the literal interpretation of the words used. In such cases, the use of “considerable” or “considerably” may not follow the usual rules. For instance:

• Take into consideration: Here, “consideration” is used as a noun, and “take into consideration” means to think about something carefully. In this case, “considerable” cannot replace the word “consideration.”
• Consider it done: This phrase means that something will be taken care of. In this case, “considerably” cannot replace the word “consider.”

2. Comparative Forms

When comparing two things, the comparative form of adjectives is used. In such cases, “considerable” is not used, and “considerably” is only used when making a comparison. For example:

• Her salary is considerably higher than his: Here, “considerably” is used to compare the salary of two people.
• He has a considerable amount of money: Here, “considerable” is used to describe the amount of money he has, but there is no comparison being made.

3. Adverbs Of Degree

Adverbs of degree are used to show the extent or degree of something. In such cases, “considerably” is used instead of “considerable.” For example:

• The temperature dropped considerably: Here, “considerably” is used to show the extent to which the temperature dropped.
• The company’s profits increased considerably: Here, “considerably” is used to show the degree to which the profits increased.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use “considerable” and “considerably” more effectively in your writing, and avoid making common mistakes.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of considerable and considerably is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help you master the usage of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (considerable or considerably) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. The company experienced __________ growth in the past year.
2. She was __________ annoyed by his constant interruptions.
3. The new regulations will __________ impact our business.
4. He has __________ improved his golf game over the past few months.
5. The cost of living in this city is __________ higher than in other parts of the country.

Answer key:

1. considerable
2. considerably
3. considerable
4. considerably
5. considerably

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either considerable or considerably:

1. The amount of money we spent on the project was large.
2. He was very happy with his test results.
3. The company’s profits increased a lot this year.

Answer key:

1. The amount of money we spent on the project was considerable.
2. He was considerably happy with his test results.
3. The company’s profits increased considerably this year.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of considerable and considerably in sentences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of “considerable” and “considerably” is crucial in maintaining effective communication and avoiding grammatical errors. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

1. “Considerable” And “Considerably” Have Different Meanings

While “considerable” means large or significant, “considerably” means to a great extent or degree. It is important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.

2. Context Is Important

The context in which these words are used can affect their meaning. It is important to consider the context and choose the appropriate word accordingly.

3. Pay Attention To Parts Of Speech

“Considerable” is an adjective, while “considerably” is an adverb. It is important to use the correct part of speech to ensure proper grammar.

By paying attention to these key takeaways, readers can improve their grammar and language use. It is always important to continue learning and improving in these areas to effectively communicate in both written and spoken forms.