contemplate this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplate this" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want someone to think deeply about a specific idea or concept. For example, "As you consider your future, contemplate this: what truly makes you happy?" Alternative expressions include "ponder this" and "reflect on this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I paused to contemplate this.

The New Yorker

Could a Pope ever contemplate this reform?

Independent

Highly centralised states, such as Thailand, can barely contemplate this.

The Economist

Then, now let us proceed to contemplate this difference.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hang on while I contemplate this over a doughnut.

The Guardian - Opinion

But most economists are reluctant to contemplate this option.

The Guardian - Business

It is impressive to contemplate this prospect, but also exhausting.

The Guardian - Arts

I contemplate this in silence for a moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Taliban would do well to contemplate this example.

The New York Times

A righteous hangover seemed ominous, but there was no time to contemplate this.

The New York Times

My first stretch of quiet in some time left me alone to contemplate this third child.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a colon when introducing a specific item or list to give it extra rhetorical weight.

Common error

Avoid adding the preposition "about" after the verb. Unlike "think", "contemplate" is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, so saying "contemplate about this" is grammatically redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplate this" functions as a transitive verb phrase. In the imperative mood, it serves as a call to action, whereas in the infinitive or gerund form, it describes an ongoing cognitive process. Ludwig AI confirms that the verb 'contemplate' directly governs the demonstrative pronoun 'this' as its object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "contemplate this" is a highly effective rhetorical tool for directing deep attention toward a subject. Data from Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is a favorite among top-tier journalists and scholars for its ability to convey intellectual depth and seriousness. Unlike simpler alternatives, it suggests a meditative quality that can elevate the tone of your writing. Whether you are using it to introduce a critical question or to describe a character's internal thoughts, ensure you treat the verb as transitive—avoiding the common mistake of adding redundant prepositions like "about". It remains a reliable, grammatically correct and powerful choice for both professional and creative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ponder this

Suggests a more thorough weighing of options or consequences.

reflect on this

Focuses more on introspective thought or looking back at experiences.

consider this

A more direct and common way to ask someone to evaluate an idea.

think about this

The most neutral and everyday version of the phrase.

deliberate on this

Implies a formal or collaborative process of decision-making.

mull this over

A slightly more informal phrasal verb suggesting a period of slow thought.

examine this

Shifts the focus toward a more objective or scientific inspection.

meditate on this

Carries a spiritual or deeply philosophical connotation.

scrutinize this

Suggests a critical and detail-oriented evaluation.

envisage this

Specifically used when asking someone to visualize a future scenario.

FAQs

How to use "contemplate this" in a sentence?

You can use it as an imperative to challenge your reader, such as: "Before you sign the contract, "contemplate this": what happens if the project fails?" According to Ludwig, it is also frequently used to describe a personal state of mind.

What can I say instead of "contemplate this"?

You can use alternatives like "ponder this", "reflect on this" or "consider this" depending on the desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "contemplate this" and "think about this"?

While "think about this" is general and casual, ""contemplate this"" implies a deeper, more serious and often longer-lasting mental process.

Is "contemplate this" too formal for an email?

It is not too formal, but it carries more gravitas than "look at this". Use it in professional emails when you want to signal that a specific point is of significant importance.