I contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the act of thinking deeply or considering something carefully. Example: "I contemplate the meaning of life during quiet moments of reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Regardless, I contemplate another cup of Starbucks.

The New York Times

Would I contemplate having another baby now?

The Guardian - Opinion

All the small sailboats I contemplate have trailers.

The New York Times

Adam and I contemplate all these attempts in the booth.

The New Yorker

"This is how I contemplate impending financial ruin".

The New York Times

Lighting my spirit stove, I contemplate my situation.

The New Yorker

"Why would I contemplate such a thing?" he said.

The New York Times

Hang on while I contemplate this over a doughnut.

The Guardian - Opinion

I contemplate this in silence for a moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I often think of our revered professor when I contemplate the composition of this country's G.D.P.

The New York Times

I contemplate the floor chart as I would a puzzle — could we somehow squeeze in one more party?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I contemplate" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful and deep consideration. It's suitable for expressing introspection or pondering complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "I contemplate" in everyday conversation. Simpler phrases like "I'm thinking about" or "I'm considering" are often more appropriate for casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I contemplate" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, where "I" is the subject and "contemplate" is the verb. It expresses a state of thinking deeply about something. Ludwig AI supports the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I contemplate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express deep, thoughtful consideration. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile, appearing most often in news and media contexts. While acceptable for formal writing and considered introspection, it may sound out of place in casual conversation. Consider using synonyms such as "I ponder" or "I reflect on" for slight variations in meaning or tone when you use the phrase "I contemplate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I ponder

Emphasizes deep, often prolonged thought.

I reflect on

Highlights reviewing past events or ideas.

I consider

Suggests a more deliberate and balanced assessment.

I muse about

Implies a more whimsical or dreamy form of thinking.

I meditate on

Indicates a focused, often spiritual, contemplation.

I deliberate over

Signifies careful and thorough consideration, often before making a decision.

I ruminate on

Conveys a sense of deep, often anxious, thought.

I mull over

Suggests gentle and unhurried consideration.

I chew over

Presents a more colloquial way of saying 'mull over'.

I give thought to

A more formal way of expressing consideration.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I contemplate"?

You can use alternatives like "I ponder", "I reflect on", or "I consider" depending on the context.

How do I use "I contemplate" in a sentence?

Use "I contemplate" when you want to express a deep or serious thought, such as "I contemplate the meaning of life" or "I contemplate the consequences of my actions".

What's the difference between "I contemplate" and "I think about"?

"I contemplate" implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration than "I think about". "I think about" is more general, while "I contemplate" suggests a more profound engagement with the subject at hand.

Is "I contemplate" formal or informal?

"I contemplate" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "I think about" or "I'm considering". Choose your wording depending on your audience.