contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to thoughtful consideration of a particular situation, idea, or concept. Example: I spent the evening contemplating the events of the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slowly the Westminster classes are beginning to contemplate what might happen if the current numbers hold up and where that would lead the governance of the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pressley himself has a grievance with Neil Doncaster, the chief executive of the Scottish Premier League, and the clubs therein who categorically refuse to contemplate a meaningful expansion to the top division.

The Guardian - Sport

Thatcher had to contemplate possible power cuts and a three-day week if the threatened strike by Nacods, the pit deputies' union had gone ahead.

The Guardian

This is especially the case with the baby-boomer generations, who are now ending their paid working lives but have the resources – and the good health – to contemplate a wide variety of activities, the thinktank says.

The Guardian

Eastern philosophies that ask you to contemplate your mortality are not that popular with our culture".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The report comes at a time when China and Australia, the countries set to oversee the two largest CO2 escalations, have been forced to contemplate the potential downsides of major fossil fuel exploitation.

The Guardian

The football world may still be reeling from the fall of its chief, its head, its guiding light in the dark night, as we all contemplate what life will be like without Sepp Blatter's steady hand at our tiller, but some things are constant.

The Guardian - Sport

Even British Eurosceptics, who love to fantasise about leaving the EU altogether, hardly ever contemplate the practicalities of disengagement from "Europe" (Lord Wolfson's call to devise plans for dismantling the eurozone is a rare exception).

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not a thought I like to contemplate, but I can hardly breathe a sigh of relief.

The Guardian

Sir Richard Dalton, a former British ambassador to Tehran, said: "She's implying that, if Iran became a nuclear weapon state, then the US would develop their existing defence commitments and that the US would contemplate nuclear deterrence to protect Persian Gulf states".

The Guardian

Today's Australia is not home to the kind of conservatives who would be ideological enough or dumb enough to contemplate such a political campaign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplate" when you want to convey a sense of deep, thoughtful consideration rather than a quick assessment.

Common error

While "contemplate" is a versatile word, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Contemplate functions primarily as a verb. It signifies a deep and sustained form of thinking. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to thoughtful consideration of a situation, idea, or concept. Many examples from the provided sources demonstrate its usage in conveying serious reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplate" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb that signifies deep, thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. Predominantly found in news and formal business contexts, it conveys a sense of careful and prolonged thought. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives such as "ponder", "consider", or "reflect on" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context. Using "contemplate" effectively enhances the depth and seriousness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ponder

This alternative emphasizes a deep and sustained consideration.

reflect on

This phrase suggests turning one's thoughts back to a specific subject.

think about

This is a more general and less formal way to express consideration.

consider

This term implies a careful assessment of options or possibilities.

meditate on

This suggests a more spiritual or introspective form of contemplation.

muse over

This phrase suggests a dreamy or whimsical form of thinking.

deliberate

This suggests careful and unhurried consideration.

reflect upon

This alternative is a slightly more formal synonym for "reflect on".

give thought to

This is a more verbose way of saying "think about".

weigh up

This British English term implies balancing different aspects of a situation.

FAQs

How to use "contemplate" in a sentence?

You can use "contemplate" to describe thinking deeply about something, like in the sentence, "I need time to "contemplate" my next move."

What can I say instead of "contemplate"?

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

Is it correct to say "contemplate on"?

While "contemplate" itself implies deep thought, you can use prepositions like "reflect on" to add specificity or nuance.

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

"Contemplate" suggests a deeper, more prolonged period of thought, while "consider" implies a more practical assessment or evaluation.