contemplated asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplated asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the consideration or thought process behind the act of asking something. Example: "After much deliberation, she contemplated asking her boss for a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Even Lowell contemplated asking her to marry him.

The Guardian - Books

The central difficulty facing the H.P. board as it contemplated asking Mr. Hurd to leave is that California frowns on noncompete agreements.

The New York Times

Mr. Rumsfeld, who was President Gerald Ford's defense secretary 25 years ago, even contemplated asking a retired general to return to service, which would have required a waiver.

The New York Times

After he hosted "Saturday Night Live" in 2005 (he called it "one of the best weeks of my life"), he said he contemplated asking Lorne Michaels for a steady gig.

The New York Times

Payton grumbled about his role in Los Angeles for much of last season and contemplated asking for a trade after O'Neal was moved, but he was surprised by yesterday's deal, according to his agent, Aaron Goodwin.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeter, who said he had contemplated asking manager Joe Girardi to take him out of the game, was able to maintain his composure enough to drive in three runs including a game-winning, ninth-inning single that gave the Yankees a 6-5 victoverover the Baltimore Orioles.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He looks so spry that I contemplate asking if he has been injecting himself with the semen of baby pigs.

The Guardian - Film

As they consider an add-on to the bailout package they agreed upon barely a year ago, they are now contemplating asking Greece to pledge collateral against future borrowing.

The New York Times

No one would contemplate asking that question about, say, all Zandra Rhodes dresses, or even a collection of Premier League football memorabilia, had they gone up in smoke.

The Guardian - Arts

On the world's most awkward first date, Gus actually insists on moving tables only to hate his new table and contemplate asking the waiter to move back.

The Guardian

At least one firm has gone so far as to begin contemplating asking its investors, which include the nation's largest pension funds, to extend the deadline for the money to be spent in return for certain concessions on fees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplated asking" to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration before deciding to make a request or inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplated asking" in very casual conversations. Alternatives like "thought about asking" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplated asking" functions as a verb phrase, where 'contemplated' is the main verb (past tense) and 'asking' is a gerund acting as the object of the verb. It expresses the act of considering or thinking about asking something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplated asking" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to express the act of considering making a request or inquiry. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears frequently in news media and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "considered requesting" and "thought about inquiring". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of the context, as it's generally more suited for neutral to formal settings. Be mindful of overusing it in casual conversations, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered requesting

Replaces "asking" with "requesting", focusing on a more formal form of inquiry.

thought about inquiring

Uses "inquiring" instead of "asking", suggesting a more investigative approach.

weighed up requesting

Implies a careful consideration of whether to make a request.

entertained the idea of asking

Highlights the preliminary consideration of asking.

considered whether to ask

Focuses on the decision-making process regarding the act of asking.

mused about asking

Suggests a more reflective and thoughtful consideration of asking.

deliberated over asking

Emphasizes the thorough and careful deliberation before asking.

pondered the possibility of asking

Highlights the uncertainty and possibility involved in the act of asking.

toyed with the notion of asking

Indicates a casual or unserious consideration of asking.

fancied inquiring

Suggests a whimsical or lighthearted consideration of asking.

FAQs

How can I use "contemplated asking" in a sentence?

You can use "contemplated asking" to describe a situation where someone considered making a request but hadn't yet decided. For example, "She "contemplated asking" for a raise but was nervous about it."

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

"Contemplated asking" and "considered asking" are very similar. "Contemplated" suggests a more prolonged and thoughtful consideration than "considered". Both, however, imply an action that was thought about but not necessarily carried out.

What can I say instead of "contemplated asking"?

You can use alternatives like "thought about asking", "considered inquiring", or "weighed up requesting" depending on the specific context.

Is "contemplated to ask" grammatically correct?

No, "contemplated to ask" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is ""contemplated asking"". The verb "contemplate" takes a gerund (verb + -ing) as its object.