contemplate whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplate whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of thinking deeply about a particular choice or possibility. Example: "I need to contemplate whether I should accept the job offer or continue my current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Until then, he wrote, "physicians should contemplate whether the risk-benefit ratio justifies prescribing it".

The New York Times

"I'm not going to sit here and contemplate whether Miami's going to make the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

The Rangers are now left to contemplate whether they are a good enough team to keep together.

The New York Times - Sports

Now Hennessy and Stanford have to seriously contemplate whether more efficiency is synonymous with a better education.

The New Yorker

The sequester will not stop to contemplate whether these are the right programs to cut; it is entirely indiscriminate, slashing programs whether they are bloated or essential.

The New York Times

Emmert said all universities must now contemplate whether their own athletic programs had become "too big to fail," or, even more troubling, "too big to challenge".

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps Monday was a pivotal point in sports culture, the day people got to contemplate whether the whole business of fandom might be going off the rails.

The New York Times - Sports

Some will begin to contemplate whether the victims of Halabja could sue the arms companies that supplied the chemical weapons to Saddam.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bloomberg's comments come as he and his aides contemplate whether he should embark on a third-party presidential candidacy this year.

The New York Times

The president of the party, Rui Falcão, went so far as to say this month that it was too early to contemplate whether those convicted in the case would go to prison at all.

The New York Times

And not for Clementi, whose manner of death suggests a magnitude of emotional turmoil that's heartbreaking to contemplate, whether you are or aren't a component of it, whether you do or don't see yourself as an agent of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplate whether" when you want to convey a sense of deep thought and careful consideration about a decision or possibility. It's suitable for formal writing and complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplate whether" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "think about if" or "consider if" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplate whether" functions as an introductory phrase that sets up a condition or question requiring careful consideration. It is used to introduce a clause that presents something to be pondered. As Ludwig AI shows, the structure is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplate whether" is a grammatically sound phrase that serves to introduce a point of thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use, particularly in formal contexts like news, science, and business. When choosing a suitable alternative, consider "consider if" or "ponder whether" depending on the context and desired level of formality. Avoid using this phrase in very informal settings where simpler wording may be more appropriate. The phrase encourages reflection and careful assessment, making it a valuable tool for analytical writing and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider if

Focuses on the act of evaluating a condition or option.

ponder whether

Implies a more thoughtful and reflective consideration.

think about whether

A more general term for considering different possibilities.

reflect on whether

Suggests a deeper, more introspective examination.

evaluate if

Emphasizes the assessment and judgment aspect.

assess whether

Implies a systematic and careful evaluation.

examine if

Focuses on a detailed and thorough inspection.

investigate whether

Suggests a more in-depth exploration to uncover facts.

explore if

Implies an open-ended inquiry into a possibility.

determine if

Highlights the goal of reaching a definitive conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "contemplate whether" in a sentence?

Use "contemplate whether" to introduce a question or possibility that requires careful and thoughtful consideration. For instance, "We need to contemplate whether this investment aligns with our long-term goals."

What can I say instead of "contemplate whether"?

You can use alternatives like "consider if", "ponder whether", or "think about whether" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "contemplate whether" or "consider whether"?

"Contemplate whether" suggests a deeper, more reflective thought process than "consider whether". The choice depends on the level of formality and depth of thought you want to convey.

When is it best to use "contemplate whether" in writing?

It's best used in formal writing, academic papers, or when discussing serious decisions that require careful consideration. For example, in a research paper, you might write, "Researchers must contemplate whether the observed correlation implies causation."