When it comes to English language and grammar, there are often words that sound similar but have different meanings, leaving us second-guessing the correct usage. One such pair is “coincide” and “consider.” These two words may sound alike, but they couldn’t be more different in meaning and usage. Let’s learn their definitions, explore their examples, and settle the score on which is correct.
Let’s kick things off with “coincide.” This verb means to happen at the same time or to correspond exactly. It is used to describe events or circumstances that occur simultaneously or parallel to each other. For instance, imagine you are planning a vacation with a friend, and you both independently choose the same destination and travel dates. In this situation, your choices would coincide, indicating that you both selected the same options without prior discussion. Another example would be if your favorite soccer team scored a goal just as you stood up from your seat to celebrate. The timing of your action and the team’s goal would coincide.
On the other hand, we have “consider,” which is a verb that denotes thinking carefully about something or contemplating it. When you consider something, you weigh the pros and cons, mull over the details, and ponder its significance. For instance, if you are deciding between two job offers, you may need some time to consider each offer’s benefits, salary, and work environment. Similarly, when buying a new car, you might consider various factors such as price, fuel efficiency, safety, and style before making a decision.
To help clarify the distinction between these two words, let’s look at a few contrasting examples. If you were planning a party and two friends independently suggested the same theme, their ideas would coincide. However, if you were to consider two different themes for your party, carefully weighing the options and ultimately selecting one, you would be considering. In another scenario, if two professors happened to assign the same due date for their respective assignments, the due dates would coincide, but if you were to consider the due dates of multiple assignments and plan your time accordingly, you would be considering your priorities.
So now that we understand the meanings and applications of both “coincide” and “consider,” we can confidently determine the correct word to use. If you want to convey the idea of events happening at the same time or circumstances aligning perfectly, “coincide” is the appropriate choice. However, if you want to express the act of carefully thinking about or evaluating something, “consider” is the word to use.
In summary, these two words may sound similar, but their meanings and usage are distinctly different. “Coincide” refers to events occurring simultaneously or situations aligning perfectly, while “consider” involves thoughtful contemplation or evaluation. Remember, the next time you’re unsure, stop and carefully think about which word accurately represents your intended meaning. It’s always better to consider the right word than to let your thoughts merely coincide with the incorrect choice. So, consider your options wisely and let your vocabulary shine!