I contemplated asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I contemplated asking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are reflecting on the idea of posing a question or making a request, often implying hesitation or thoughtfulness. Example: "I contemplated asking her for help, but I wasn't sure if she would be available."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He looks so spry that I contemplate asking if he has been injecting himself with the semen of baby pigs.

The Guardian - Film

The central difficulty facing the H.P. board as it contemplated asking Mr. Hurd to leave is that California frowns on noncompete agreements.

The New York Times

Even Lowell contemplated asking her to marry him.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Rumsfeld, who was President Gerald Ford's defense secretary 25 years ago, even contemplated asking a retired general to return to service, which would have required a waiver.

The New York Times

After he hosted "Saturday Night Live" in 2005 (he called it "one of the best weeks of my life"), he said he contemplated asking Lorne Michaels for a steady gig.

The New York Times

Payton grumbled about his role in Los Angeles for much of last season and contemplated asking for a trade after O'Neal was moved, but he was surprised by yesterday's deal, according to his agent, Aaron Goodwin.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeter, who said he had contemplated asking manager Joe Girardi to take him out of the game, was able to maintain his composure enough to drive in three runs including a game-winning, ninth-inning single that gave the Yankees a 6-5 victoverover the Baltimore Orioles.

Independent

They feel more comfortable asking questions they would not have contemplated asking before.

BBC

User Normaljenny has a fiancée in the USA and contemplated asking her to use her Social Security Number to open a new bank account for him so that he could use the details to verify his PayPal account in order to integrate PayPal's e-payment processor into his new business website.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

As they consider an add-on to the bailout package they agreed upon barely a year ago, they are now contemplating asking Greece to pledge collateral against future borrowing.

The New York Times

No one would contemplate asking that question about, say, all Zandra Rhodes dresses, or even a collection of Premier League football memorabilia, had they gone up in smoke.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I contemplated asking" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration before deciding whether to ask a question or make a request. It's suitable when the decision wasn't immediate or simple.

Common error

Avoid using "I contemplated asking" if the action of asking followed immediately after the thought. In such cases, "I asked" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I contemplated asking" functions as an introductory clause indicating a prior thought process. It sets the stage for a subsequent action or decision, reflecting hesitation or deliberation before potentially posing a question or making a request. It can be verified thanks to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I contemplated asking" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express thoughtful consideration before posing a question or making a request. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a period of deliberation and is suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral to formal. While not extremely frequent, it effectively conveys internal uncertainty and provides context for subsequent actions or decisions. Alternative phrases like "I considered inquiring" or "I thought about asking" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered inquiring

Replaces "contemplated" with "considered" and "asking" with "inquiring", indicating a slightly more formal tone.

I thought about asking

Uses simpler vocabulary, making it less formal than the original phrase.

I was thinking of asking

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the thought process.

I entertained the idea of asking

Introduces a more figurative expression, suggesting a playful consideration.

I weighed the possibility of asking

Suggests a more deliberate and careful evaluation before asking.

I had it in mind to ask

Implies a prior intention, making the asking seem more likely.

It crossed my mind to ask

Suggests a fleeting thought rather than a deep consideration.

I mulled over asking

Emphasizes a slow and careful process of thinking about asking.

I debated whether to ask

Highlights the internal conflict and uncertainty before asking.

I was tempted to ask

Emphasizes the desire or inclination to ask, despite potential hesitation.

FAQs

What does "I contemplated asking" mean?

It means that you were thinking about asking something, but you hadn't yet made a firm decision to do so. It suggests a period of reflection or consideration before potentially posing a question or making a request.

How can I use "I contemplated asking" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where you were considering whether to ask something, such as "I contemplated asking for a raise, but I decided to wait until my performance review".

What can I say instead of "I contemplated asking"?

You can use alternatives like "I considered inquiring", "I thought about asking", or "I was thinking of asking" depending on the context.

Is "I contemplated to ask" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "I contemplated asking". The verb "contemplate" is typically followed by a gerund (a verb ending in -ing used as a noun) rather than an infinitive (to + verb).