contemplate applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplate applying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the consideration of submitting an application for a job, program, or opportunity. Example: "After much thought, I have decided to contemplate applying for the graduate program at the university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That lapse will leave about 37,000 residents of the state, like Robert C. Brannigan, without benefits this week, and will force others to contemplate applying for food stamps or other forms of welfare that they had never considered.

The New York Times

Mark Icke, the vice president of the Prisoner's Governor's Association has voiced concerns that while education is important, many of the people in the prison system have a variety of serious issues that need sorting before they can contemplate applying for small business loans and setting up a LinkedIn.

Vice

Mark Icke, the vice president of the Prisoner's Governor's Association, has voiced concerns that while education is important, many of the people in the prison system have a variety of serious issues that need sorting before they can contemplate applying for small business loans and setting up a LinkedIn.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Hegdal said he had not previously contemplated applying to any Ivy League school.

The New York Times

Many other Oregonians were contemplating applying for approval, James Romney, 56, is one.

The New York Times

(Simon has obtained a copy of the employees' manual, and is contemplating applying for a summer job).

The New Yorker

If "mandatory" weren't a word to make any vigorous-minded artist kick, I'd say that it should be mandatory viewing for everyone in film school and even anyone who is contemplating applying.

The New Yorker

He volunteered at elementary schools, contemplating applying for teachers college, and spent time helping out at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), where he developed a fondness for paleontology.

Science Magazine

But today, as she contemplates applying her synthetic biology skills to the production of antimicrobial compounds in a pharmaceutical or biotech company, she believes her opportunities are expanding.

Science Magazine

It was common knowledge that the company was among the weakest of the major carriers even before Sept. 11, and last month the company said it was contemplating applying for the loan guarantee.

Forbes

But when my husband brings his mandolin to the nursing home and serenades my dad or offers me his ice cream cone because mine fell on the ground (I contemplated applying the five-second rule), that is what keeps my heart fluttering.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplate applying" when you want to express a deliberate and thoughtful consideration of submitting an application, often implying a period of reflection before making a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplate applying" in informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "think about applying" or "consider applying" may be more appropriate for casual conversations or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplate applying" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of considering whether to submit an application. As supported by Ludwig, it is correctly used to express a thoughtful consideration of applying.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contemplate applying" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the thoughtful consideration of submitting an application. While relatively formal and infrequent, as confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a deliberate decision-making process. Its primary contexts include news and media and science sources. When using this phrase, consider the formality of the situation and whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider an application

Focuses on the application itself rather than the act of applying.

think about submitting an application

More informal and emphasizes the submission process.

entertain the notion of applying

Emphasizes considering the idea or concept of applying.

weigh the option of applying

Focuses on evaluating applying as one of several possibilities.

assess whether to apply

Focuses on assessment of the decision to apply.

give thought to applying

Similar to 'think about', but slightly more formal.

evaluate the possibility of applying

Highlights the evaluation process.

mull over applying

Suggests a more prolonged and thoughtful consideration.

ponder applying

Implies a deep and serious consideration.

reflect on applying

Suggests a thoughtful review of applying.

FAQs

What does "contemplate applying" mean?

The phrase "contemplate applying" means to think deeply and seriously about whether to submit an application for something, such as a job, program, or grant.

What are some synonyms for "contemplate applying"?

Alternatives include "consider applying", "think about applying", or "weigh the option of applying". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and nuance.

Is "contemplate applying" formal or informal?

"Contemplate applying" is relatively formal. In more casual contexts, "think about applying" or "consider applying" might be more suitable.

How can I use "contemplate applying" in a sentence?

Example: "After reviewing the program details, I began to "contemplate applying" for the scholarship." You can also say, "She is "contemplating applying" for a position in the marketing department".