I was contemplating something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was contemplating something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a period of deep thought or consideration about a particular topic or idea. Example: "As I sat by the window, I was contemplating something that had been bothering me for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, at a time of growing public unease about keeping cetaceans in captivity, it was contemplating something unprecedented: moving its eight dolphins to a sanctuary.

The New Yorker

I recommend the code's crystalline "decision guide" to any employee who is contemplating something that might not merely make them look exceptionally silly, but cost them their job.

The Guardian - Opinion

This contemplation Plotinus interpreted as cognitive identity, since if the Demiurge were contemplating something outside of itself, what would be inside of itself would be only an image or representation of eternal reality (see V 5) -- and so, it would not actually know what it contemplates, as that is in itself.

SEP

She seemed to be contemplating something, but Kostya couldn't imagine what.

The New Yorker

But when he announced the spin-outs, Mr. Kozlowski said Tyco executives had been contemplating something like this for about a year.

The New York Times

Now Mr. Santamaria is contemplating something worse: uprooting his entire holding of 30 hectares, or 75 acres, within sight of France's mountainous border with Spain.

The New York Times

Indeed thus far it seems so easy for the Underwoods that for a while they seemed to be contemplating something truly chilling: breeding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now the FSA is contemplating something similar, if only to keep up with practices which have long been acceptable among City analysts and big institutions.The FSA's idea is to permit managers to invite chosen shareholders to take on the status of corporate "insiders".

The Economist

At the beginning we hear about "a couple of kids" and are made to wonder whether "he's fucking her and she's / Taking pills or wearing a diaphragm,"; by the end we're contemplating something which is not only a world away from this kind of speech, but actually "Rather than words" altogether.

The Guardian - Books

However, you are contemplating something unethical — keeping your contacts out of the company database when you're required to submit them.

BBC

It wasn't that long ago that HTC partnered up with Beats Audio to give their phones a boost in the audio department, and now it seems Nokia may be contemplating something similar.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was contemplating something" to introduce a topic you've been giving serious thought to, setting the stage for further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "I was contemplating something" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent your text from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was contemplating something" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a subsequent explanation or revelation of the object of contemplation. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to preface an idea or action that has been under consideration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was contemplating something" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to introduce a subject of thoughtful consideration. While Ludwig identifies its usage as relatively rare, it is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media or scientific discussions. When using this phrase, be mindful to follow it with a clear explanation of what you were considering. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was considering a matter

Focuses on the act of considering a specific matter, sounding slightly more formal.

I was pondering an idea

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration of an idea.

I was reflecting on a topic

Suggests a retrospective consideration of a topic.

I was mulling over a thought

Indicates a slow, deliberate consideration of a thought.

I was weighing up an option

Highlights the act of evaluating the pros and cons of an option.

I was giving thought to something

Emphasizes the act of dedicating thought to something.

I was thinking about something

A more general and common way to express thinking about something.

I had something in mind

Suggests an idea was already present in your thoughts.

I was entertaining an idea

Implies considering something, but not necessarily seriously.

I was exploring a possibility

Focuses on examining the potential of a certain possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "I was contemplating something" in a sentence?

This phrase typically introduces a thought or idea that you've been seriously considering. For example: "I was contemplating something that my mentor said."

What's a more formal alternative to "I was contemplating something"?

A more formal alternative could be "I was considering a matter" or "I was reflecting upon a subject".

Is it correct to say "I am contemplating something" instead of "I was contemplating something"?

Yes, "I am contemplating something" indicates you're currently thinking about it, while "I was contemplating something" suggests you were thinking about it in the past.

What's the difference between "I was contemplating something" and "I had something in mind"?

"I was contemplating something" implies a more deliberate and thoughtful process, while "I had something in mind" suggests an idea was already present.