contemplate doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"contemplate doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this expression to indicate that you are considering or thinking of doing something. For example, "I am contemplating doing some more research before I make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Before the program, "there's no way we could even contemplate doing that," Mr. Markovich said.

The New York Times - Health

Only in Burma's looking-glass world could a newspaper contemplate doing that.

Independent

"It will only be in circumstances of extreme need that we would contemplate doing coal again.

The Guardian

"It was such a stupid thing to do, as events happened, such a stupid thing even to contemplate doing".

The New York Times

His principle of no daylight, no surprises amounts to a virtual Netanyahu veto over anything the U.S. government might contemplate doing to, or about, Israel.

The New Yorker

Worse, they have let go the precocious and versatile centre-back Phil Jones, and therefore cannot contemplate doing the same with their defensive strongman Christopher Samba.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Perhaps most disturbingly to contemplate: Does it prompt copycats?

Vice

I contemplated doing or saying more, but held back.

The New York Times - Sports

"Which I am actually contemplating doing right now," he added.

The New York Times

I know the terrible thing that you, if only for a fleeting moment, contemplated doing.

The New Yorker

"Really seriously contemplating doing that because I felt the prospect was so frightening.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplate doing" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration or deliberation before taking action. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but use it when you want to convey thoughtful consideration of an action.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "contemplate doing" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "thinking about doing" or "considering doing" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplate doing" functions as a gerund phrase, where "contemplate" is a transitive verb taking a gerund as its object. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates considering or thinking about performing an action. Ludwig's examples effectively demonstrate its usage in sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplate doing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed gerund phrase that expresses the act of thoughtfully considering or intending to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates considering or thinking about performing an action. Though present across a variety of contexts, it is more prevalent in news, media, and scientific publications. For more informal scenarios, alternatives like "consider doing" or "think about doing" can be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances allows for a more accurate and context-aware application of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider doing

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express thinking about doing something.

think about doing

This is a more general and less formal way of expressing the idea of considering an action.

entertain the idea of doing

This alternative suggests a more playful or less serious consideration.

ponder doing

This implies a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration of an action.

weigh doing

This alternative suggests carefully assessing the pros and cons of performing the action.

explore the possibility of doing

This phrase indicates investigating whether doing something is feasible or desirable.

mull over doing

This implies a slow and gradual process of considering something.

reflect on doing

This alternative suggests thinking deeply about the implications of doing something.

deliberate doing

Implies a careful and thorough consideration of an action, often in a formal setting.

meditate on doing

Suggests a prolonged and thoughtful consideration, often with a spiritual or introspective aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "contemplate doing" to express that you are considering or thinking about performing an action. For example, "I am "contemplating doing" some volunteer work this summer".

What are some alternatives to "contemplate doing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "consider doing", "think about doing", or "ponder doing" to express a similar meaning.

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

"Contemplate doing" tends to be more formal than "think about doing". "Think about doing" is a more common and general expression, while "contemplate doing" suggests a deeper and more deliberate consideration.

When is it appropriate to use "contemplate doing"?

It's appropriate to use "contemplate doing" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration or serious intent. This phrase is suitable for formal writing, professional discussions, and situations where you want to emphasize the depth of your consideration.