by contemplating

USAGE SUMMARY

"by contemplating" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating the means or method by which something is done. Example: By contemplating the beauty of nature, I find inner peace and clarity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer is by contemplating higher-order questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

These results are discussed by contemplating the existence of PAA/DMF complexes.

Polymer

In thinking about the future of Lower Manhattan, Congress can start by contemplating history.

The New York Times

Immediately, just by contemplating it, you feel like you're bunking off school.

The Guardian

No need to define my state of mind by "contemplating the misery of another".

The New York Times - Magazine

I comforted myself by contemplating a final Joycean greeting-card idea.

The New York Times - Magazine

"By contemplating your own mortality, you realise every day is precious and decide to get the most out of life.

Independent

When he was asked whether his sense of reverence had been increased or diminished by contemplating the L.H.C., Murch paused.

The New Yorker

But just by contemplating it, by searching for the depth of the moment, that is itself an experience".

The New Yorker

In this paper, we analyze this issue by contemplating the concept of IoT and drawing an inspiration towards the perspective vision of 'Internet of Multimedia Things' (IoMT).

Ad Hoc Networks

THEATRICAL TEXTILES During traditional New Year's celebrations for Tibetan Buddhists, worshipers would clear away remorse and ward off evil by contemplating images of flayed bodies and severed limbs.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by contemplating" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful process of consideration. It's suitable for formal writing and suggests a deep engagement with the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "by contemplating" in very informal settings. Simpler phrases like "by thinking about" or "by considering" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by contemplating" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, it describes the method or means by which an action is performed or a state is achieved. It indicates a deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by contemplating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, it is generally correct, frequently found in news and media, scientific writing and encyclopedias. It indicates a deliberate and thoughtful consideration, suggesting that an action or outcome results from serious reflection. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where a level of formality is acceptable; in very casual settings, simpler alternatives such as "by thinking about" might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "by reflecting on" and "through reflection upon", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by reflecting on

This alternative is slightly more common and emphasizes a personal, thoughtful process.

through considering

This alternative emphasizes careful thought and evaluation.

by pondering over

This alternative suggests a more prolonged and thoughtful consideration.

in considering

A more concise and formal way of expressing the same concept.

through reflection upon

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a structured, thoughtful process.

by musing on

This alternative is more literary and suggests a gentle, reflective thought process.

by deliberating over

This alternative suggests a careful and often formal consideration, often before making a decision.

by thinking about

This alternative is simpler and more direct, suitable for less formal contexts.

by meditating on

This alternative implies a deeper, more spiritual form of contemplation.

upon reflection of

This is a formal alternative emphasizing the act of looking back and thinking deeply.

FAQs

How can I use "by contemplating" in a sentence?

You can use "by contemplating" to describe how someone arrives at a conclusion or gains insight. For example, "By contemplating the universe, one can better understand their place in it."

What can I say instead of "by contemplating"?

You can use alternatives like "by reflecting on", "by thinking about", or "through reflection upon" depending on the context.

Is "by contemplating" formal or informal?

"By contemplating" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "by thinking about" might be more fitting.

What's the nuance between "by contemplating" and "by considering"?

"By contemplating" suggests a deeper, more prolonged and thoughtful consideration than "by considering", which implies a more straightforward evaluation.