What verb form should you use after 'consider' and 'imagine'? Infinitive or gerund?

Consider can be followed either by a noun or a gerund (the "-ing" form of a verb used as a noun).

• They will consider the suggestions.
• I considered working.
• She considers going to the dentist.

Imagine can be followed by a noun, gerund, or that-clause.

• I can't imagine a larger dog than a mastiff.
• I can't imagine working harder.
• I can't imagine that she's telling the truth.

In both cases, when a verb directly follows consider or imagine, you should use the gerund form, not the infinitive:

• You should consider writing to him more often.
• It's easy to imagine winning the lottery, which is why I keep playing it.