contemplate on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplate on" is not correct or usable in written English.
The phrase you are looking for is "contemplate". Example: I need some time to contemplate the best course of action.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

For every study question, one should contemplate on the choice between diagnostic assessments in hospital or on-site.

BMC Pediatrics

We cannot contemplate, on the doorstep of the EU, a disintegration into chaos and disorder.

The Guardian

The London Irish director of rugby, Toby Booth, was left to contemplate on being in the group of death.

The Guardian - Sport

They should all be sent on a yogic retreat, perhaps to an ashram somewhere in India, to meditate and contemplate on how it all went wrong.

The Guardian - Business

Murray regards Wimbledon as his place, the scene of historic achievement, where he goes in quiet moments to contemplate on what he has achieved and what might be to come.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a risk I often contemplate on the crowded Moscow metro, as I catch myself scanning the faces of my fellow passengers, wondering if any of them are potentially threatening (the last suicide attacks on the Moscow metro were in 2010 – not that long ago).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It gives a bird's eye view of the whole environment from many different angles that one wants to check and keep track of while contemplating on a certain idea/plan.

Journal of Shipping and Trade

That is what I was contemplating on the long journey back from the Russian frontier.

Independent

I, too, felt intoxicated, while contemplating On Kawara's obsessively indexed "Date Paintings".

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Rose said that a 495-foot height limit is contemplated on that site.

The New York Times

Afterward, standing in a crowded bar in Union Station, the Trinity crew contemplated, on television, aerial footage of vast crowds filmed at protests around the world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to express deep thought or consideration, use "contemplate" without the preposition "on". For example, "Take time to contemplate your decision carefully."

Common error

Avoid adding the preposition "on" after "contemplate". The verb already implies a thorough consideration. Instead of "contemplate on", simply use "contemplate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplate on" functions as a verb phrase, where "contemplate" is the verb and "on" is a preposition. However, according to Ludwig AI, the preposition is unnecessary and makes the phrase grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "contemplate on" is relatively common, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI advises that the proper usage is simply "contemplate" without the preposition. Although found across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, aiming for grammatical correctness suggests using "contemplate" alone or exploring alternatives like "reflect on" or "consider" for clearer and more precise writing. The unnecessary addition of "on" after "contemplate" should be avoided for improved grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consider

A more direct and concise alternative, removing the preposition "on" for grammatical correctness.

Think about

Offers a less formal and more general way to express the act of considering something.

Reflect on

Focuses on past events and their significance, shifting the emphasis from general consideration to reviewing past experiences.

Reflect upon

A slightly more formal synonym for reflect on. It places more emphasis on the analysis of a past event.

Ponder over

Implies a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration, suggesting a deeper level of engagement with the topic.

Give thought to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to a particular topic or issue.

Deliberate on

Suggests a formal and careful discussion or consideration, often in a group setting.

Meditate on

Suggests a more spiritual or introspective consideration, focusing on personal growth and understanding.

Mull over

Implies a slow and gradual consideration, often over a period of time, emphasizing the process of thinking something through.

Muse over

Implies a more whimsical and imaginative form of contemplation, often driven by curiosity and wonder.

FAQs

How to use "contemplate" correctly in a sentence?

Use "contemplate" directly followed by the object of your thought, without adding "on". For example: "I need to "contemplate" my next move."

What can I say instead of "contemplate on"?

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

Which is correct, "contemplate on" or "contemplate"?

"Contemplate" is the grammatically correct choice. "Contemplate on" is generally considered incorrect usage. Rely on ""contemplate"" for clarity and precision.

What's the difference between "reflect on" and "contemplate"?

"Reflect on" often implies looking back at past events and drawing lessons, while ""contemplate"" suggests a broader, more general consideration of something, whether past, present, or future.