Contemplating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Contemplating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of thinking deeply or considering something thoughtfully. Example: "Contemplating the meaning of life can lead to profound insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labour will surely spend the coming hours contemplating the fate of its leader, who – this poll says – was roundly rejected in both England and Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Iowa Republicans voiced scepticism on Monday over Sarah Palin's claim to be contemplating a campaign for president in 2016, amid criticism of her unusual speech to a conservative rally in the state.

The Guardian

Contemplating my more mature 41 years, I privately worried at the prospect of travelling among twenty-somethings headed for full-moon parties.

The Guardian - Travel

So, according to Grant, Britain should be upping its input rather than contemplating disengagement.

The Guardian

The Lib Dems will spend the night contemplating the bizarre prospect of having been simultaneously wiped out – and looking forward to a return to government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actors know only too well that days spent contemplating the job centre and the increasing pile of unpaid bills is too dismal a business to reclassify with such an arch description.

The Guardian

Contemplating denial, Freud talked about "minimisation", in which a fact is admitted but its seriousness denied, and "projection", in which repressed thoughts are attributed to someone else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had to have a physical fight with my daughter over the iPad, but my strength eventually won and she sat in horrified silence, contemplating the thought of listening to me talking for three days.

The Guardian - Travel

Diego Maradona, his World Cup career over, sat quietly away from the hubbub, no doubt contemplating the contrast between last night's denouement and his joyous moment four years earlier when he had inspired a rather better Argentinian team to victory over the Germans in a far superior game of football.

The Guardian - Sport

She worries about the impact of recent history on young women contemplating public life.

The Guardian

And the ending - well, there isn't really an ending; instead of a definite closure, the reader is left with a sense of a vague and gloomy continuum, as the protagonist Moses Aloetta stands before the Thames contemplating his future, staring into the signature London fog that is the novel's dominant motif.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Contemplating" when you want to express a deep and thoughtful consideration of a subject, especially over a period.

Common error

Avoid using "Contemplating" in contexts where simpler terms like "thinking about" or "considering" would suffice. "Contemplating" implies a deeper level of thought.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Contemplating" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Contemplating" is a versatile term used to express deep and thoughtful consideration, often over a period of time. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, travel writing, and literature. While highly frequent, it's advisable to reserve it for scenarios where the depth of thought justifies its use, avoiding overuse in simple situations. Alternatives like "reflecting upon" or "pondering over" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reflecting upon

Emphasizes a more retrospective and thoughtful consideration.

Pondering over

Suggests a more deliberate and careful consideration of something.

Mulling over

Implies a slow and thoughtful process of considering something.

Meditating on

Suggests a more spiritual or introspective form of contemplation.

Deliberating about

Emphasizes a formal and careful discussion before making a decision.

Considering carefully

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail in the thought process.

Thinking deeply about

Focuses on the intensity and profoundness of the thought process.

Giving thought to

Implies a more general consideration without necessarily suggesting deep thought.

Dwelling on

Suggests a prolonged and sometimes obsessive focus on something.

Chewing over

Informal way of saying that you are thinking carefully about something for a long time

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Contemplating" in a sentence?

"Contemplating" is best used to describe a thoughtful and prolonged consideration of a subject. For example, "She spent hours "contemplating the meaning of life"".

What words can I use instead of "Contemplating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reflecting upon", "pondering over", or "mulling over".

Is it always appropriate to use "Contemplating", or are there situations where it's not suitable?

"Contemplating" is best suited for situations involving deep and thoughtful consideration. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "thinking about" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "Contemplating" and "Considering"?

"Considering" implies a more general act of thinking about something, while "Contemplating" suggests a deeper and more sustained engagement with the subject.