I contemplated doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I contemplated doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you are considering or thinking about taking a specific action. Example: "I contemplated doing my homework early to avoid stress later in the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I contemplated doing or saying more, but held back.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I have contemplated doing the same with my flu-ridden friends, but that seems a bit harsh.

Huffington Post

"To get to the Olympics was my aim for many years and I never even contemplated doing anything which might jeopardise this goal," O'Connor said last night.

The Guardian - Sport

D. W. Griffith used to visit projection booths to snip his films already in release, which I'm sure Mr. Wong has contemplated doing on more than one occasion.

The New York Times

As an undergraduate, I found it difficult to get some work experience, so after my MSc I decided I would contemplate doing a PhD once I gained some experience of the real world.

Science Magazine

I know the terrible thing that you, if only for a fleeting moment, contemplated doing.

The New Yorker

Since everyone in the family was healthy they contemplated doing without it.

The Guardian

And it is even more breathtaking that Turnbull appears to have contemplated doing so again.

The Guardian - Opinion

The war over, Gaby contemplated doing a PhD and ski-ed as a member of the Cambridge Ladies team.

Independent

Show your adoration by doing things to him you never even contemplated doing with that boring loser Steve!

The New Yorker

Show your adoration by doing things to him you never even contemplated doing with that boring loser Steve!     Dear New Optimist: O.K.! Will do!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I contemplated doing" when you want to convey that you seriously considered a specific action, often implying a thoughtful evaluation of the potential consequences or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "I contemplated doing" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "I thought about doing" or "I considered doing" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I contemplated doing" functions as a statement of intention or consideration. It indicates that the speaker has spent some time thinking about performing a particular action, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I contemplated doing" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to express that someone was seriously considering a particular action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, conveying a sense of thoughtful evaluation. While generally appropriate, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the context, as simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. Common alternatives include "I considered doing" or "I thought about doing". The phrase implies a reflective consideration rather than immediate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered doing

Replaces "contemplated" with a more common synonym, "considered", slightly reducing the formality.

I thought about doing

Uses a simpler and more informal verb, "thought", making the phrase more casual.

I pondered doing

Replaces "contemplated" with "pondered", suggesting a deep and thoughtful consideration.

I was thinking of doing

Expresses a current thought or plan that is under consideration, often more immediate than "contemplated".

I entertained the idea of doing

Adds a layer of formality by using "entertained the idea", suggesting a more deliberate consideration.

I reflected on doing

Implies a more introspective and reflective consideration of the action.

I weighed the possibility of doing

Emphasizes the evaluation of options, implying a more analytical approach to the decision.

I gave thought to doing

Highlights the act of dedicating mental energy to considering the action.

I had in mind to do

Indicates an intention or plan that was being considered, but not necessarily acted upon.

I envisioned myself doing

Focuses on imagining oneself performing the action, adding a visual or imaginative aspect to the consideration.

FAQs

What does "I contemplated doing" mean?

The phrase "I contemplated doing" means you were seriously thinking about performing a specific action or task. It implies a degree of thoughtfulness and consideration.

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

You can use alternatives like "I considered doing", "I thought about doing", or "I entertained the idea of doing" depending on the context.

Is "I contemplated to do" grammatically correct?

No, "I contemplated to do" is not grammatically correct. The verb "contemplate" should be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), so the correct form is "I contemplated doing".

How formal is the phrase "I contemplated doing"?

The phrase "I contemplated doing" is relatively formal. In more casual settings, phrases like "I was thinking of doing" or "I considered doing" may be more appropriate.