I would contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a thought process or consideration about a particular idea or situation. Example: "If I had the opportunity, I would contemplate the implications of my decision before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That was rather a long time ago … It's certainly something I would contemplate, but at the moment I have absolutely no reason whatsoever to do it".

The Guardian

As I said before the Calcutta Cup match a fortnight ago, the risk of playing a Test without a specialist outside-half on the bench is not one I would contemplate taking.

Independent

I would hear sad news, I would learn bits of London were on fire, I would contemplate difficult tasks that were looming, if not in progress, and I would be mildly aware of breathing in and out – nothing more.

The Guardian - Books

"An automatic move back to the Barbican without exploring the reality of a theatre that can accommodate all our work is not something that I would contemplate immediately".

BBC

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

Howe, whose mother died in March, added: "There is only one club I would contemplate leaving Burnley for and that is Bournemouth and that is the situation we found ourselves in".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Obviously, that's not something I'd contemplate, but I did see some interesting parallels with recruitment in Brown's five rules of theft.

The Guardian - Film

I'd spend my pay checks immediately, I was addicted to drugs, and I'd contemplate suicide all the time.

Vice

In moments of weakness I'd contemplate the old men with cracked leathery faces and brown teeth hacking up greenies outside bars; I'd watch the smokers' mugs the mug smokers outside A&E departments, putting up with the rain, the cold, the noxious fumes of cars for their urgent hourly tug, smoking as though about to board a 12-hour flight.

Vice

At one point, I'd contemplated ditching university to staff an evangelical photography school in Las Vegas that focused specifically on the subject of "sex trafficking".

Vice

Asked about raising corporate taxes, Mr. Kenny said he had "made it perfectly clear on many occasions that this is not something that I could or would contemplate and didn't this evening".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would contemplate" when you want to express a thoughtful and deliberate consideration of something. It suggests more than a passing thought but less than a formal analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplate" in very casual conversations. Alternatives like "think about" or "consider" are often more appropriate for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would contemplate" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's willingness or intention to consider something thoughtfully. This is supported by examples in Ludwig where the phrase precedes a specific action or decision being considered.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I would contemplate" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a willingness to thoughtfully consider something. While not overly formal, it is best suited for serious discussions or writing rather than casual conversation. Ludwig examples show it frequently appears in news and media, as well as science-related contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase expresses a degree of thoughtfulness and intent, suggesting a deeper reflection than simply "thinking about" something. Consider related phrases like "I would consider" or "I would reflect on" for contexts requiring different levels of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would think about

This is a very general and common alternative, suitable for most contexts.

I would consider

This alternative is more common and general, suggesting a simple weighing of options.

I would ponder

This implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

I would reflect on

This suggests looking back and thinking carefully about something in the past.

I would deliberate

This implies a careful and lengthy discussion or thought process, often before making a decision.

I would mull over

This suggests thinking about something at length in a relaxed and informal way.

I would give thought to

This is a more formal way of saying 'I would consider'.

I would examine

This suggests a careful and detailed inspection or analysis.

I would assess

This suggests a careful evaluation to determine the value or importance of something.

I would entertain the idea of

This suggests being open to considering a particular idea or possibility.

FAQs

How to use "I would contemplate" in a sentence?

Use "I would contemplate" to express a serious consideration of something. For example, "I would contemplate the offer before making a final decision."

What can I say instead of "I would contemplate"?

You can use alternatives like "I would consider", "I would ponder", or "I would reflect on" depending on the context.

Is "I would contemplate" formal?

While not overly formal, "I would contemplate" is more suitable for serious discussions or writing than for casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "I would think about" are often better in informal settings.

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

"I would consider" is a more general term for thinking something over. "I would contemplate" suggests a deeper, more thoughtful reflection.