contemplate an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplate an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of thinking deeply or considering a particular problem or topic. Example: "Before making a decision, it's important to contemplate the issue thoroughly to understand all perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that point P&G turned from contemplating an issue to facing a serious choice.

Harvard Business Review

To avoid a chilling effect on authors who contemplate tackling an historical issue or event, broad latitude must be granted to subsequent authors who make use of historical subject matter, including theories or plots.

Harvard University

The influx of the dockless bikes on park land has prompted the National Park Service to review its bike policy and contemplate issuing a formal authorization for dockless companies to operate on park land, Laurel Hammig, regional planner for the National Park Service said at the meeting.

The Washington Post

The family statement continued: "At this point, Oscar is still in an extremely traumatised state and has made it clear to all of us that he is not able or willing to even contemplate this issue at this stage.

BBC

Conservation International (CI) and the Council on Foreign Relations CFRrecentlytly held a symposium entitled "Global Resources, the U.S. Economy, and National Security" at the CFR offices in Washington, D.C. Today, I contemplate the issue discussed.

Huffington Post

The best place to contemplate these issues is at an institution with a resourceful instrument collection regularly put to use, such as a museum (like The Metropolitan Museum of Art), or a conservatory dedicated to historical performance.

HuffPost

This posits a test of Palestinian good governance as a precondition for progress to a final settlement, and contemplates a deferral of vital issues such as the future of refugees and the holy city of Jerusalem until some unspecified date.

The Guardian

Whereas I tend to contemplate for days over an issue, But after backlash of my published letter, maybe such an approach isn't correct either.

HuffPost

A brochure for the trip explained that for those who are "constantly confronted with existential pain and questions about the meaning of life" Auschwitz is an "inspiring place to contemplate these issues".

The New Yorker

Mellowhype and Taco contemplate the issues of having not having an ideal woman on "Real Bitch".

Wikipedia

Rosenberg told Barnsley magistrates court that contemplating the issue since an initial hearing last summer had been "far from easy to determine".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contemplate an issue", ensure the context suggests a need for careful and thorough consideration, implying more than just a passing thought. It signals that the issue is complex and warrants deeper reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplate an issue" when a simpler term like "consider" or "think about" would suffice. Overusing "contemplate" can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplate an issue" functions as a verb phrase, where "contemplate" is the verb indicating a deep and prolonged thought, and "an issue" serves as the object. It suggests a deliberate process of considering a matter, problem, or subject.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contemplate an issue" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys the act of thinking deeply about a particular problem. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Although "contemplate an issue" is valid, it's crucial to reserve it for scenarios where deep and prolonged thought is necessary, rather than using it as a mere substitute for simpler terms like "consider" or "think about". The phrase can be utilized across neutral and formal registers, though its precise usage patterns are difficult to define due to the limited amount of available examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consider a problem

Focuses on the act of thinking about a problem, omitting the depth implied by "contemplate".

Reflect on a matter

Emphasizes introspection and careful thought regarding a particular subject or situation.

Ponder a question

Highlights deep thought about a question, differing slightly in that "issue" is broader than "question".

Deliberate on a subject

Stresses careful and thorough discussion or consideration of a subject.

Mull over a topic

Suggests thinking deeply and at length about a topic, often implying a period of reflection.

Weigh up a concern

Implies assessing the importance or implications of a concern, often before making a decision.

Examine a situation

Focuses on scrutinizing the details of a situation, less about the depth of thought.

Analyze a dilemma

Involves a detailed examination of a difficult situation or problem.

Assess a challenge

Centers on evaluating the nature and scope of a challenge.

Investigate a matter

Highlights a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of a matter.

FAQs

How can I use "contemplate an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "contemplate an issue" when you want to express a deep and thoughtful consideration of a particular problem or subject. For example, "Before making a decision, it's important to "contemplate an issue" thoroughly to understand all perspectives."

What are some alternatives to "contemplate an issue"?

Some alternatives to "contemplate an issue" include "consider a problem", "reflect on a matter", or "ponder a question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "contemplate an issue" or "think about an issue"?

"Contemplate an issue" is generally more formal than "think about an issue". "Contemplate" implies a deeper and more thorough consideration, suitable for academic or professional contexts, while "think about" is more casual.

When is it appropriate to use "contemplate an issue" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "contemplate an issue" when you wish to emphasize the importance of careful and extended thought. Use it in scenarios where a decision or understanding requires deep reflection and analysis.