Let us now consider
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this phrase to professionally guide an audience from one point to the next during a presentation.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal transition used to introduce a new topic or idea.
- Signals to the audience that the focus is shifting deliberately.
- Common in presentations, speeches, and high-level academic writing.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and professional way to guide your listeners to a new topic. It tells your audience that you are moving from one idea to the next together.
Key Examples
3 of 6Presenting a quarterly budget
Let us now consider the impact of the new marketing strategy on our budget.
Let us now consider the impact of the new marketing strategy on our budget.
Giving a university lecture
Let us now consider the social implications of the Industrial Revolution.
Let us now consider the social implications of the Industrial Revolution.
Planning a complex trip with a partner
We've picked the flights; let us now consider where we want to stay.
We've picked the flights; let us now consider where we want to stay.
Cultural Background
This phrase originates from formal rhetorical traditions, often found in 18th and 19th-century literature and sermons. It reflects a cultural value of logical progression and shared intellectual inquiry. Today, it is a hallmark of 'Standard Professional English' used globally in international business and academia.
The Power of the Pause
After you say this phrase, pause for one second. It builds anticipation and makes the next thing you say sound much more important.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single slide, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with other transitions like 'Moving on' or 'Next'.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal transition used to introduce a new topic or idea.
- Signals to the audience that the focus is shifting deliberately.
- Common in presentations, speeches, and high-level academic writing.
What It Means
Let us now consider is a classic transition phrase. It acts like a bridge between two ideas. When you use it, you are inviting your audience to join you in thinking about a specific point. It is not just about looking at a fact. It is about analyzing or reflecting on it. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful. Think of it as a verbal signpost on a long road.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a new section. It works best when you have just finished one point and are ready for the next. You follow it with a noun or a noun phrase. For example, Let us now consider the cost. You can also follow it with a question. For example, Let us now consider why this happened. It feels very deliberate and steady. It gives your audience a second to breathe before the next big idea.
When To Use It
This is a powerhouse phrase for presentations and public speaking. Use it in a business meeting to show you have a clear plan. It is perfect for academic lectures or writing formal essays. If you are giving a wedding toast and want to sound a bit more serious for a moment, this works too. It is great for any situation where you want to lead a group's focus. It makes you look like a confident leader who knows the way.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual settings. If you are at a bar with friends, saying Let us now consider the menu will sound like a joke. It is too heavy for a quick text message or a casual chat over coffee. Do not use it if you are in a rush. It is a slow, methodical phrase. If you use it while shouting in a loud crowd, people might look at you funny. It requires a bit of silence and attention to work properly.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in formal English rhetoric. It was traditionally used in religious sermons and high-level academic debates. It carries a sense of shared intellectual discovery. In Western culture, it suggests that the speaker and the listener are equals in the search for truth. It feels very 'old world' but remains a staple in modern corporate boardrooms. It is the language of someone who has done their homework.
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit less formal, you can say Let's look at. For a more modern feel, try Turning our attention to. If you are in a scientific context, you might say Let us examine. A very common and slightly shorter version is Now, let's consider. All of these do the same job but change the 'vibe' of the room. Let us now consider remains the most elegant and traditional choice among them.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal register. It is perfect for presentations, speeches, and formal writing. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you are intentionally trying to sound overly serious for comedic effect.
The Power of the Pause
After you say this phrase, pause for one second. It builds anticipation and makes the next thing you say sound much more important.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single slide, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with other transitions like 'Moving on' or 'Next'.
The 'Us' Factor
Using 'us' instead of 'I' is a classic leadership trick. It makes the audience feel like they are part of the decision-making process.
Examples
6Let us now consider the impact of the new marketing strategy on our budget.
Let us now consider the impact of the new marketing strategy on our budget.
Used here to move from past spending to future impacts.
Let us now consider the social implications of the Industrial Revolution.
Let us now consider the social implications of the Industrial Revolution.
A classic way to introduce a new sub-topic in a classroom.
We've picked the flights; let us now consider where we want to stay.
We've picked the flights; let us now consider where we want to stay.
Slightly formal for a couple, but shows serious planning.
We have seen the appetizers; let us now consider the pizza toppings.
We have seen the appetizers; let us now consider the pizza toppings.
The speaker is using high formality for a humorous effect.
Let us now consider how our lives might change if we move to London.
Let us now consider how our lives might change if we move to London.
Used to slow down the conversation and focus on a major point.
Having reviewed the proposal, let us now consider the timeline for implementation.
Having reviewed the proposal, let us now consider the timeline for implementation.
Creates a logical flow in written communication.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the formal transition.
We have discussed the risks. Let us ___ consider the potential rewards.
The word `now` is the standard adverb used in this specific formal construction to signal a transition.
Complete the phrase for a presentation.
___ ___ now consider the third option on our list.
`Let us` creates the inclusive, formal tone required for this specific expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of Transitions
Talking to friends
Anyway, look at this...
Standard meetings
Now, let's look at...
Keynote speeches
Let us now consider...
Academic papers
One must now turn to the consideration of...
Where to use 'Let us now consider'
Boardroom
Discussing a merger
Lecture Hall
Analyzing a poem
Wedding Toast
Speaking about the future
Formal Email
Proposing a new plan
Courtroom
Presenting evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it is formal, it is still very common in business and academic settings. It sounds polished, not dusty.
Yes, Let's consider is the neutral version. Let us now consider is just the 'black tie' version of the same idea.
You don't have to, but now helps emphasize the transition. It tells the audience exactly when the shift is happening.
It is used in both! It is a standard part of formal English globally.
Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. Otherwise, it will seem way too stiff for a text.
Usually a noun phrase like the evidence or the next steps. You can also use a 'wh-' question like why this failed.
No, it actually sounds quite inclusive because of the word us. It invites people to think with you.
It works well for both, but it is especially powerful in public speaking to help guide the listeners' ears.
Not really. It is for ideas or topics. For a person, you would say Let us now introduce....
Yes, but consider implies a more careful, analytical type of thinking.
Related Phrases
Moving on to
A neutral way to change topics.
Turning our attention to
A formal way to redirect focus.
Let's take a look at
A more casual, visual transition.
In light of this
Used to connect a previous point to a new one.
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