We use consider with a decision We use regard when we mean how we see something We can, however, use either if we want to mean ‘to believe’

I agree with Simon - there is a difference though in the construction: 1. I consider that to be a sensible idea. 2. I regard that as a sensible idea. Regard (when used in this "believe" sense) goes with "as". On the other hand, "consider" uses that accusative-and-infinitive construction there. 3. I regard him as a twerp. 4. I consider him to be a twerp. Occasionally you hear 3. I consider that he is a twerp but that just sounds weird to me.