I contemplated going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I contemplated going" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing thoughts or considerations about a potential action or decision. Example: "I contemplated going to the concert, but ultimately decided against it." Alternative expressions include "I considered going" and "I thought about going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I contemplated going back to Sarajevo early in the war, but realized that I was not, and never would be, needed there.

The New Yorker

Shortly after his M.V.P. performance last year in the World Series, the San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner admitted that while in the minors, "I contemplated going home and not choosing to have this lifestyle".

The New Yorker

Only hours before, my friends and I contemplated going to Machine, one of Boston's gay clubs, where my close friend was bartending.

Huffington Post

I contemplated going too, but was asked by my group of district surveyors to stay on and maintain the momentum of socio-economic growth I had driven for the previous 20 years, making the district the flagship district of the nation in terms of its socio-economic growth, so I stayed on until I reached state pension age, as that had been when I had planned on retiring before my head injury.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Looking back, Nowitzki said: "I was so frustrated I even contemplated going back to Germany.... [the jump from Second Bundesliga to the NBA] was like jumping out of an airplane hoping the parachute would somehow open".

Wikipedia

I've contemplated going to the yard, or to lunch or dinner, but I can't seem to do it.

The New Yorker

At various points over the years, I have contemplated going back to school but never took the time to do it.

The New York Times

I've already said that I don't seek pain, and I would not have contemplated going through with it unless I found the alternative unbearable.

The New Yorker

"I would never have contemplated going on strike when I was a full-time doctor," he said.

BBC

Follow Tess Barker on TwItter.

Vice

Follow SImon Cottee on Twitter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I contemplated going" to express careful consideration before making a decision. It suggests a period of thoughtful deliberation.

Common error

Avoid using "I contemplated going" to describe spontaneous or impulsive decisions. The phrase implies a degree of thoughtful consideration that is absent in spur-of-the-moment actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I contemplated going" functions as a statement expressing a past consideration of a specific action. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound way to convey that one considered undertaking something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I contemplated going" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the consideration of a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in News & Media, expressing a neutral register. Related phrases include "I considered going" and "I thought about going". When using this phrase, ensure that it reflects a thoughtful consideration rather than an impulsive decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered going

Uses 'considered' instead of 'contemplated', offering a slightly less formal tone.

I thought about going

Employs 'thought about' for a simpler and more direct expression of consideration.

I entertained the idea of going

Replaces "contemplated" with "entertained the idea", suggesting a more playful or tentative consideration.

I weighed the option of going

Uses 'weighed the option' to emphasize a more analytical and deliberate consideration.

I pondered going

Replaces 'contemplated' with 'pondered', indicating a deeper and more reflective consideration.

I reflected on going

Similar to 'pondered', but emphasizing reflection on the potential action.

I gave thought to going

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the act of thinking about the action.

I had it in mind to go

Expresses a previous intention or consideration that might not be current.

Going was on my mind

Highlights that the action was a point of consideration or worry.

The possibility of going crossed my mind

Focuses on the fleeting thought or idea of the action.

FAQs

What does "I contemplated going" mean?

It means you seriously considered or thought about going somewhere or doing something, but you may not have actually gone or done it.

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

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

Is "I contemplated to go" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "I contemplated going". The verb 'contemplate' should be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive.

How formal is the phrase "I contemplated going"?

It's relatively neutral in formality. It can be used in both casual and more formal contexts, although alternatives like "I considered going" may be slightly more appropriate for very formal situations.