I had entertained the idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I had entertained the idea of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a thought or consideration that you have contemplated in the past. Example: "I had entertained the idea of moving to a new city for a fresh start, but ultimately decided to stay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I had entertained the idea of involving this post-doc on the project if it got funding, but maybe I would have to reconsider.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There have been very few moments in my life when I have entertained the idea of living with a man.

The Guardian

"I've entertained the idea of looking for grants to study this and I've been told, 'Don't go there, it's bad P.R.,' " Dr. Freitag said.

The New York Times - Food

Indeed, Prokopi had entertained the idea of brokering a quiet deal with the Mongolians.

The New Yorker

Branstad had entertained the idea of running for an unprecedented seventh term in 2018.

The Washington Post

Before 9/11 we had entertained the idea of doing a film festival in New York.

The Guardian

Boston had entertained the idea of acquiring Julio Lugo from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays if the trade had been expanded to three teams.

The New York Times

She had entertained the idea of SRS before, but was worried about the financial and medical risks involved.

Vice

Some parents had entertained the idea of committing suicide themselves, but decided against this course of action being all too familiar with the consequences for others.

BMC Psychiatry

I would've entertained the idea of making out with him, but truthfully, he gave me Jeffrey Dahmer vibes.

Vice

I would've entertained the idea of making out with him but truthfully he gave me Jeffrey Dahmer vibes.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I had entertained the idea of" to introduce a past consideration, especially when the outcome wasn't certain or didn't materialize. It adds a layer of reflection to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "I had entertained the idea of" when you are currently considering something. Use "I am entertaining the idea of" for present considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I had entertained the idea of" functions as an introductory clause to express a past consideration or potential action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating a past consideration that may or may not have led to a concrete action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I had entertained the idea of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a past consideration or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and general use. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it can also be found in scientific and formal writing. Consider using alternatives such as "I had considered the notion of" or "I had contemplated the thought of" for variety. When using this phrase, ensure that the idea is something you considered in the past, and not something you are currently considering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had considered the notion of

Replaces "entertained the idea" with a more direct term "considered the notion", maintaining similar formality.

I had contemplated the thought of

Uses "contemplated" instead of "entertained", suggesting a deeper level of consideration.

I had thought about the possibility of

Emphasizes the "possibility", indicating less certainty than "entertained the idea".

I had toyed with the concept of

Suggests a less serious or fleeting consideration than the original phrase.

I had envisioned the prospect of

Focuses on the "prospect", highlighting a future-oriented viewpoint.

I had envisioned myself

Focuses more on visualizing oneself doing something.

I had briefly flirted with the idea of

Indicates a very short or unserious period of consideration.

I had pondered over the question of

Implies a more thoughtful and prolonged period of reflection.

I once mused on the subject of

Musing suggests a more dreamy or abstract consideration.

I had given some thought to

A more concise and informal way of expressing having considered something.

FAQs

How can I use "I had entertained the idea of" in a sentence?

Use "I had entertained the idea of" to indicate a past consideration or possibility. For example, "I had entertained the idea of moving to Europe, but I decided to stay here".

What can I say instead of "I had entertained the idea of"?

You can use alternatives like "I had considered the notion of", "I had contemplated the thought of", or "I had thought about the possibility of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have entertained the idea of"?

Yes, "I have entertained the idea of" is grammatically correct. However, it indicates that you are still considering the idea, whereas "I had entertained the idea of" refers to a past consideration.

What is the difference between "I had entertained the idea of" and "I considered"?

"I considered" is a more direct and concise way of saying you thought about something. "I had entertained the idea of" suggests a more prolonged or involved consideration, implying you spent some time thinking about it.