Deem vs Consider: Similarities, Differences, and Proper Use

Are you unsure whether to use “deem” or “consider” in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “deem” and “consider” and how to use them correctly.

So, which of these words is the proper one to use? The answer is: it depends on the context. Both “deem” and “consider” can be correct in certain situations. However, “deem” is more authoritative and often implies a final decision or judgment. On the other hand, “consider” is more tentative and suggests that something is being evaluated or thought about.

According to Merriam-Webster, “deem” means “to come to think or judge” or “to have an opinion.” Essentially, it’s a way of expressing a belief or judgment about something. For example, “I deem this project to be a success” means that you have made a decision about the project’s outcome.

Meanwhile, “consider” means “to think about carefully” or “to take into account.” It’s a way of indicating that something is being evaluated or weighed. For example, “I am considering several options for my next vacation” means that you are still in the process of deciding what to do.

Now that we’ve established the definitions of these words, let’s explore how to use them effectively in your writing.

Define Deem

Deem is a verb that means to judge, believe, or consider something to be a certain way. It is often used to express a strong opinion or conviction about a particular matter. When someone deems something, they are making a decision or forming an opinion based on their personal beliefs or experiences.

For example, a teacher may deem a student’s essay to be exceptional if it meets all the criteria for a good essay. Similarly, a judge may deem a defendant to be innocent if there is not enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Define Consider

Consider is a verb that means to think about or contemplate something carefully before making a decision. When someone considers something, they are weighing the pros and cons and trying to come to a rational conclusion. It is often used to express a more neutral or objective opinion about a particular matter.

For example, a company may consider launching a new product if market research shows that there is a demand for it. Similarly, a person may consider different options before making a major life decision, such as buying a house or changing careers.

Unlike deem, consider does not necessarily imply a strong opinion or conviction about a particular matter. It is a more open-ended term that allows for a range of possibilities and outcomes.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word can make or break your sentence. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “deem” and “consider”. However, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately to convey your message effectively.

How To Use “Deem” In A Sentence

“Deem” means to judge, believe, or consider something to be a certain way. It is often used in a formal or legal context. Here are some examples of how to use “deem” in a sentence:

• The court will deem the evidence admissible.
• The project manager deemed the proposal feasible.
• The doctor deemed the patient healthy enough to be discharged.

As you can see, “deem” is often used to express a formal judgment or assessment.

How To Use “Consider” In A Sentence

“Consider” means to think about, reflect on, or take into account. It is a more flexible word that can be used in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples of how to use “consider” in a sentence:

• Before making a decision, it’s important to consider all the options.
• I consider him to be one of the best in his field.
• Have you considered the consequences of your actions?

“Consider” can be used to express a range of thoughts and ideas, from personal opinions to thoughtful reflection.

Overall, it’s important to use “deem” and “consider” appropriately to convey your message accurately. “Deem” is often used in a formal or legal context to express a judgment or assessment, while “consider” is a more flexible word that can be used in a variety of contexts to express reflection or personal opinion.

More Examples Of Deem & Consider Used In Sentences

Here are some additional examples of how to use “deem” and “consider” properly in sentences. By understanding how these words are used in context, you can improve your writing and communication skills.

Examples Of Using Deem In A Sentence

• The judge deemed the evidence to be inadmissible.
• The company deemed the project a success.
• The committee deemed the proposal to be feasible.
• The doctor deemed the patient healthy enough to be discharged.
• The teacher deemed the student’s performance to be satisfactory.
• The government deemed the policy to be necessary for national security.
• The coach deemed the athlete to be ready for competition.
• The manager deemed the employee’s work to be exceptional.
• The expert deemed the theory to be flawed.
• The board deemed the decision to be final.

As you can see, “deem” is often used to express a judgment or opinion about something. It is commonly used in legal, business, and academic contexts.

Examples Of Using Consider In A Sentence

• The committee is considering several options.
• The company is considering a merger with another firm.
• The teacher is considering new teaching methods.
• The doctor is considering different treatment options.
• The government is considering changes to the tax code.
• The team is considering different strategies for the game.
• The artist is considering different color schemes for the painting.
• The homeowner is considering different landscaping ideas.
• The student is considering different colleges to attend.
• The chef is considering different ingredients for the recipe.

“Consider” is often used to express the act of thinking about something or evaluating different options. It is commonly used in personal, professional, and creative contexts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “deem” and “consider,” people often tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Deem” When “Consider” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using “deem” when “consider” would be more appropriate. “Deem” is often used to express a final decision or judgment, while “consider” means to think about or contemplate. For example, saying “I deem this idea to be good” implies a final decision has been made, while saying “I consider this idea to be good” means you are still thinking about it.

2. Using “Consider” When “Deem” Is More Appropriate

On the other hand, using “consider” when “deem” would be more appropriate can also lead to confusion. “Deem” implies a stronger sense of authority or power, while “consider” is more neutral. For example, saying “I consider myself to be an expert” implies a level of uncertainty, while saying “I deem myself to be an expert” implies a stronger sense of authority.

3. Confusing The Meanings Of “Deem” And “Deemphasize”

Another mistake is confusing the meanings of “deem” and “deemphasize.” “Deem” means to judge or consider something to be a certain way, while “deemphasize” means to downplay or reduce the importance of something. Using “deemphasize” when you mean “deem” can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Make sure you understand the meanings of both “deem” and “consider” before using them.
• Think about the context in which you are using the words and choose the one that best fits the situation.
• Double-check your usage to make sure you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “deem” and “consider,” context is key. Both words can be used to express a similar meaning, but the choice between them can depend on the specific situation in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following scenarios:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Legal	The court will ___ the evidence admissible.	Deem
Everyday Conversation	I ___ myself lucky to have such great friends.	Consider
Business	We need to ___ our options before making a decision.	Consider

In a legal context, “deem” is often used to express a formal decision or judgment. For example, a court may “deem” evidence admissible or inadmissible. In this case, “consider” would not be an appropriate word choice because it does not carry the same level of authority.

However, in everyday conversation or in a business context, “consider” is often used to express the act of thinking about something or taking it into account. For example, you might “consider” yourself lucky to have great friends or “consider” your options before making a decision. In these cases, “deem” would not be an appropriate word choice because it would sound too formal and authoritative.

Overall, the choice between “deem” and “consider” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the tone and level of formality appropriate for the situation when choosing between these two words.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “deem” and “consider” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to these rules that are worth noting. In certain cases, the traditional usage guidelines may not apply.

Exceptions For “Deem”

One notable exception for “deem” is when it is used in a legal context. In legal language, “deem” is often used to create a legal fiction or presumption. For example, a law might state that a person is “deemed” to have received notice of a certain event if it was sent to their last known address.

Another exception for “deem” is when it is used to express a strong opinion or judgment. In this case, “deem” can be used as a synonym for “consider” or “believe.” For example, “I deem it necessary to take action” could be rephrased as “I believe it is necessary to take action.”

Exceptions For “Consider”

One exception for “consider” is when it is used in the phrase “consider oneself.” In this case, “consider” means to think of oneself in a certain way or to identify with a certain group or category. For example, “I consider myself to be an artist” implies that the speaker identifies as an artist.

Another exception for “consider” is when it is used in the phrase “consider that.” In this case, “consider” means to take into account or to think about. For example, “consider that he may not have all the information” implies that the listener should take into account the possibility that the person in question is not fully informed.

Exceptions to Using “Deem” and “Consider”

Word	Exception	Example
Deem	Legal fiction or presumption	“The defendant is deemed to have received notice of the trial date.”
Deem	Strong opinion or judgment	“I deem it necessary to take action.”
Consider	“Consider oneself”	“I consider myself to be an introvert.”
Consider	“Consider that”	“Consider that she may not have all the information.”

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of deem and consider can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you sharpen your skills:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (deem or consider) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. I __________ it a privilege to work with such a talented team.
2. Many people __________ him to be the best player on the team.
3. The judge will __________ the evidence before making a ruling.
4. She __________ the proposal carefully before making a decision.
5. He __________ it important to always be honest.

Answer Key:

1. Deem
2. Consider
3. Deem
4. Consider
5. Deem

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite each sentence below using the opposite word of the one given:

1. He considered it a waste of time.
2. She deemed it necessary to take a break.
3. They considered him to be the best candidate.
4. The judge deemed the evidence insufficient.

Answer Key:

1. He deemed it a waste of time.
2. She considered it unnecessary to take a break.
3. They deemed him to be an average candidate.
4. The judge considered the evidence sufficient.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to use deem and consider correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “deem” and “consider,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing. While “deem” implies a final judgment or decision, “consider” suggests a more open-minded evaluation or contemplation of possibilities.

It is important for writers to be aware of the nuances of language use and to choose their words carefully in order to convey their intended meaning. By using “deem” and “consider” correctly, writers can avoid confusion and ensure that their message is accurately conveyed.

Key Takeaways:

• “Deem” implies a final decision or judgment, while “consider” suggests a more open-minded evaluation.
• Choosing the appropriate word is important for clear communication.
• Being aware of the nuances of language use can improve writing skills.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and improve their writing skills, readers can become more effective communicators and convey their message with clarity and precision.