When learning English grammar, it’s important to understand not only what words mean, but also how they function in a sentence. One word that often appears in both everyday conversation and formal writing is ‘considerable.’ You might hear phrases like ‘a considerable amount of time’ or ‘considerable effort was made.’ But what exactly is the role of ‘considerable’ in these sentences? Is it an adjective, an adverb, or something else entirely? This topic explores the word ‘considerable’ in depth, clarifying its part of speech, usage, and meaning in English grammar. We will also look at examples, synonyms, and common mistakes to avoid when using this word.
Understanding the Role of ‘Considerable’
Is ‘Considerable’ an Adjective?
Yes, ‘considerable’ is an adjective. In English grammar, adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns. They give more information about the size, quantity, quality, or state of a noun. The word ‘considerable’ fits this definition perfectly because it describes the size or extent of something, often in terms of amount, degree, or importance.
For example:
- She invested aconsiderablesum of money into the business.
- There wasconsiderableexcitement about the new product launch.
- The team facedconsiderablechallenges during the project.
In all these examples, ‘considerable’ modifies a noun (sum, excitement, challenges) and gives us a better idea of the extent or intensity of that noun. This is a classic function of adjectives in English.
Meaning and Connotation
The adjective ‘considerable’ typically means ‘large in amount, extent, or degree.’ It often has a formal tone and is used to emphasize that something is noteworthy or significant. The word does not always imply something positive or negative it simply highlights size or impact. For example, a ‘considerable delay’ could be frustrating, while a ‘considerable improvement’ would be welcomed.
Synonyms and Alternatives
Using synonyms for ‘considerable’ can help diversify your writing and speech while maintaining clarity. Here are several alternatives that carry a similar meaning, depending on the context:
- Significant
- Substantial
- Large
- Ample
- Notable
- Marked
- Sizeable
Each of these words can replace ‘considerable’ in many situations, though some may carry slightly different tones or levels of formality. For instance, ‘substantial’ is often used in business contexts, while ‘marked’ might appear more frequently in academic writing.
Examples of ‘Considerable’ in Sentences
To gain a better understanding of how ‘considerable’ functions as an adjective, let’s explore its usage in a variety of sentence structures:
- The organization receivedconsiderablesupport from the community.
- Afterconsiderablethought, she decided to change careers.
- The storm causedconsiderabledamage to the coastal towns.
- He has madeconsiderableprogress in his recovery.
- They spent aconsiderableamount of time planning the event.
As these examples show, ‘considerable’ often appears before nouns and helps to highlight the degree or importance of the noun it modifies.
Grammatical Features of ‘Considerable’
Position in a Sentence
As an adjective, ‘considerable’ typically appears before the noun it modifies. This is known as the attributive position. It can also appear after the noun in a few specific sentence structures, particularly when using linking verbs like ‘is’ or ‘seems.’ For example:
- The loss wasconsiderable.
- His achievements areconsiderable.
Degrees and Comparison
Unlike many adjectives, ‘considerable’ is not usually used in the comparative or superlative forms. We generally don’t say ‘more considerable’ or ‘most considerable.’ Instead, other adjectives such as ‘greater’ or ‘more significant’ are used when making comparisons.
Incorrect: The second offer wasmore considerablethan the first.
Correct: The second offer wasgreaterthan the first.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Some English learners mistakenly think that ‘considerable’ is related to the verb ‘consider.’ While the two words share a root, they serve very different grammatical functions. ‘Consider’ is a verb that means to think about or reflect on something. ‘Considerable,’ on the other hand, is an adjective describing the size or amount of something.
Another mistake is using ‘considerable’ where an adverb is needed. For instance:
Incorrect: He workedconsiderableto meet the deadline.
Correct: He workedconsiderablyto meet the deadline.
In the correct version, the adverb ‘considerably’ modifies the verb ‘worked.’ Remember that ‘considerable’ cannot function as an adverb; if you need an adverb, use ‘considerably.’
The Difference Between ‘Considerable’ and ‘Considerably’
It’s also helpful to understand the difference between the adjective ‘considerable’ and the adverb ‘considerably.’ While they are related, they serve distinct roles:
- Considerable (adjective): Describes a noun.
Example:She showedconsiderablepatience. - Considerably (adverb): Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
Example:The price droppedconsiderablyover the past month.
Mixing them up can result in awkward or incorrect sentences, so it’s important to know which form to use depending on what you’re trying to express.
A Word Worth Understanding
To summarize, ‘considerable’ is indeed an adjective, and it is used to describe something large in size, number, importance, or degree. It is a valuable word for both spoken and written English, especially when you want to express that something is noteworthy or substantial. Knowing how to use it correctly helps you communicate with clarity and precision.
Whether you’re writing a formal report, giving a speech, or having a casual conversation, the word ‘considerable’ can enrich your expression. Just remember to use it as an adjective, pair it with nouns, and avoid using it where an adverb is needed. By understanding its function and usage, you can avoid common mistakes and use the word with confidence.