I need to contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I need to contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or necessity to think deeply about something or reflect on a particular issue. Example: "Before making a decision, I need to contemplate the potential consequences of my actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I decided that this is definitely something that I needed to contemplate to see whether I could figure out why I am feeling this way.

Huffington Post

Once I've thoroughly prepared for the meeting and am ready to sit down with him, I'll need to contemplate the fact that we're likely to see things differently.

Science Magazine

The question of the moment – "How bad does it have to get before we act?" – is not a question I thought we would need to contemplate, again, in 2014.

The Guardian - Opinion

I also think that businesses need to contemplate their relationship with their workforces in other ways.

Harvard Business Review

"At this particular moment, I don't believe that we need to contemplate reducing our contact with the Afghans," General Allen said.

The New York Times

"At this particular moment, I don't believe that we need to contemplate reducing our contact with the Afghans," he said.

The New York Times

Do consumers and others need to contemplate new responsibilities?

Princeton University

To appreciate such evolutionary events, we need to contemplate extremely long durations of time.

Harvard University

If rivals start circling, the company — and interested governments — may need to contemplate even bigger oil giants.

The New York Times

Should Blackstone walk away, Dynegy said that it might need to contemplate more onerous alternatives like diluted stock offerings, fire sales of assets or even bankruptcy.

The New York Times

In the case of gene drives, the fear is warranted but we also need to contemplate the horrific cost of doing nothing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I need to contemplate" when you want to express a need for thoughtful consideration before making a decision or forming an opinion. It indicates a desire to reflect deeply on a matter.

Common error

While "contemplate" is a valid word, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I need to contemplate" functions as an expression of intention or necessity. It indicates the speaker's recognition of a need for thorough and thoughtful consideration before action or judgment. The Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I need to contemplate" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression used to convey the necessity for deep thought and reflection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase itself doesn't appear frequently in Ludwig's examples, various alternative phrases are available to express similar meanings, such as "I need to consider" or "I should reflect on". When deciding whether to use the phrase, consider the context, as "contemplate" can sometimes sound slightly more formal than other alternatives. Despite its infrequent appearance in the examples, remember it is generally acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I must consider

Emphasizes obligation to think about something; a bit stronger in tone.

I should reflect on

Highlights the reflective aspect of thinking, implying introspection.

I have to ponder

Uses 'ponder' which suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

I ought to deliberate

Suggests a formal and careful process of considering different sides.

I require time to think about

Focuses on the need for time, emphasizing the duration of consideration.

It's necessary for me to reflect upon

More formal and emphasizes the necessity of the reflective process.

I find it necessary to meditate on

Implies a deeper, more spiritual consideration of the topic.

I'm compelled to meditate on

Implies a deeper consideration of the topic.

I am urged to deliberate on

More formal and emphasizes the need for discussion and careful thought.

I am required to ruminate over

Uses 'ruminate' which suggests a prolonged and cyclical thinking process, possibly with anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "I need to contemplate" in a sentence?

You can use "I need to contemplate" to express a need for thoughtful consideration before making a decision. For example, "Before accepting the job offer, I need to contemplate the long-term implications".

What can I say instead of "I need to contemplate"?

You can use alternatives like "I need to consider", "I need to reflect", or "I need to think it over" depending on the context.

Is it too formal to say "I need to contemplate" in everyday conversation?

While not overly formal, "contemplate" can sound slightly elevated in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" are often more appropriate. It depends on the context and your audience.

What's the difference between "I need to contemplate" and "I need to consider"?

"Contemplate" suggests a deeper, more prolonged reflection, while "consider" implies a more general weighing of options. If you're facing a complex or important decision, you might say "I need to contemplate". If it's a more straightforward choice, "I need to consider" might be sufficient.