contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing thoughts, considerations, or reflections on a particular subject or decision. Example: "After much deliberation, she contemplated the various options available to her before making a final choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The whole of British politics has been shaken up in a way that the complacent Westminster class could never even have contemplated," he said.

The Guardian

Although Arsenal initially contemplated a loan deal, Welbeck was interested only in a permanent move.

The Guardian - Sport

He may have contemplated telling them over dinner at a nice restaurant but when he pictured Manly excitedly dolling up (putting in their teeth and slipping into, beneath their best shell suit, some brand new intimates from the Terri Randall Collection) he figured the coming rejection would be too cruel.

The Guardian - Sport

From his student days, he sought creative outlets, and even when wealthy and well into middle age, he never contemplated retiring.

The Guardian

No further legal aid cuts are immediately contemplated.

The Guardian

He also said he had been through some deeply depressing moments at RBS and even contemplated resigning to count his money.

The Guardian - Business

She contemplated risking arrest to fly to Bahrain to see her father, finding it unbearable to be far away from her family during such a difficult time.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he had contemplated using a baton or CS gas but decided that that was not an option.

The Guardian

When Thoronka spoke to the Guardian before his detention, he said his situation was so desperate that he had contemplated suicide.

The Guardian

I contemplated the glasses: I could see the film studios had invested millions in developing this wonderful technology.

The Guardian - Tech

The proof came on 7 May, when the electorate contemplated the gap between who the Lib Dems had become and who they used to be – and cast them out, Kennedy along with the rest of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplated" to convey a sense of deep or prolonged thought. It's suitable for formal writing or when you want to emphasize the thoughtfulness behind a consideration.

Common error

While "contemplated" is grammatically correct, using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "thought about" or "considered" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contemplated" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb contemplate. It signifies a completed action of thinking deeply or considering something carefully, often before making a decision. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplated" serves as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'contemplate', signifying a deep or prolonged thought process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While highly versatile, it is crucial to be mindful of the context, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. This phrase finds frequent application in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and scientific domains, offering a valuable tool for expressing thoughtful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered

Replaces the verb with a simpler, more general term for thinking about something.

thought about

Uses a phrasal verb for a less formal way of expressing consideration.

reflected on

Suggests a more thoughtful and introspective consideration.

deliberated over

Implies a careful and thorough discussion or consideration.

pondered

Indicates a deep and often prolonged consideration.

weighed up

Highlights the process of balancing different factors or options.

envisioned

Focuses on imagining or anticipating a future scenario.

considered the possibility of

Explicitly frames the consideration as a potential outcome or action.

entertained the idea of

Suggests that the idea was considered, even if not seriously.

had in mind

Implies that the idea was present in one's thoughts as a possibility.

FAQs

How do I use "contemplated" in a sentence?

Use "contemplated" to describe thinking deeply about something, often before making a decision. For example, "She "contemplated" her options before choosing a career path."

What are some alternatives to "contemplated"?

You can use alternatives such as "considered", "thought about", or "reflected on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contemplated" formal or informal?

"Contemplated" leans towards the formal side. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "thought about" or "considered".

What's the difference between "contemplated" and "considered"?

"Contemplated" suggests a deeper, more prolonged thought process than "considered". While "considered" simply means to think about something, "contemplated" implies a more careful and thorough examination.