Contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of thinking deeply or considering something thoughtfully. Example: "She took a moment to contemplate the implications of her decision before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slowly the Westminster classes are beginning to contemplate what might happen if the current numbers hold up and where that would lead the governance of the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pressley himself has a grievance with Neil Doncaster, the chief executive of the Scottish Premier League, and the clubs therein who categorically refuse to contemplate a meaningful expansion to the top division.

The Guardian - Sport

Thatcher had to contemplate possible power cuts and a three-day week if the threatened strike by Nacods, the pit deputies' union had gone ahead.

The Guardian

This is especially the case with the baby-boomer generations, who are now ending their paid working lives but have the resources – and the good health – to contemplate a wide variety of activities, the thinktank says.

The Guardian

Eastern philosophies that ask you to contemplate your mortality are not that popular with our culture".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The report comes at a time when China and Australia, the countries set to oversee the two largest CO2 escalations, have been forced to contemplate the potential downsides of major fossil fuel exploitation.

The Guardian

The football world may still be reeling from the fall of its chief, its head, its guiding light in the dark night, as we all contemplate what life will be like without Sepp Blatter's steady hand at our tiller, but some things are constant.

The Guardian - Sport

Even British Eurosceptics, who love to fantasise about leaving the EU altogether, hardly ever contemplate the practicalities of disengagement from "Europe" (Lord Wolfson's call to devise plans for dismantling the eurozone is a rare exception).

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not a thought I like to contemplate, but I can hardly breathe a sigh of relief.

The Guardian

Sir Richard Dalton, a former British ambassador to Tehran, said: "She's implying that, if Iran became a nuclear weapon state, then the US would develop their existing defence commitments and that the US would contemplate nuclear deterrence to protect Persian Gulf states".

The Guardian

Today's Australia is not home to the kind of conservatives who would be ideological enough or dumb enough to contemplate such a political campaign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplate" when you want to convey a sense of deep, thoughtful consideration, often involving a degree of introspection or careful analysis. It's particularly useful in formal writing and when discussing complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplate" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contemplate" is as a verb. It signifies the act of thinking deeply or carefully about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show it used to describe considering possibilities or reflecting on deeper meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Contemplate" is a verb signifying deep and thoughtful consideration, often used in neutral contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business settings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used in English. When using "Contemplate", ensure it aligns with the formality of the context, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "contemplate" to convey thoughtful examination and reflection in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reflect upon

Emphasizes a more personal and introspective consideration.

Ponder over

Suggests a more prolonged and thoughtful consideration of something.

Consider carefully

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail in the act of considering.

Deliberate on

Implies a formal and structured process of thinking about something.

Meditate on

Indicates a deeper, often spiritual, form of reflection.

Give thought to

A more casual way of saying to consider something.

Mull over

Suggests a quiet and internal process of thinking.

Think about deeply

Emphasizes the depth of the consideration.

Speculate about

Involves forming theories or conjectures about something.

Ruminate on

Suggests a repetitive and cyclical process of thinking.

FAQs

How to use "Contemplate" in a sentence?

You can use "contemplate" to express deep thought or consideration. For example: "She paused to contemplate the meaning of the poem." or "The board members will contemplate the proposal before making a decision."

What can I say instead of "Contemplate"?

Alternatives to "contemplate" include "reflect upon", "ponder over", or "consider carefully" depending on the context.

Is "Contemplate on" grammatically correct?

While "contemplate" can sometimes be followed by "on", it's often more natural to use it without the preposition when the object is clear. For example, "contemplate the decision" is generally preferred over "contemplate on the decision". Using "reflect on" is a good alternative.

What's the difference between "Contemplate" and "Consider"?

"Contemplate" suggests a deeper, more prolonged period of thought and reflection than "consider". "Consider" implies a more general evaluation or examination, while "contemplate" often involves a more profound level of engagement with the subject.