contemplating about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplating about" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct usage is simply "contemplating" without the preposition "about." Example: "She was contemplating the meaning of life."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At this I was contemplating about four plants too many for the space in my borders.

The New York Times

Mr. Schroder's nephew, Curtis Schroder, who farms about 10,000 acres, said he was contemplating about the same degree of expansion on his land — to 640 acres, from 160 acres in this most recent crop.

The New York Times

Had "Signs" resisted putting on the final angelic touch and showing its little green men, it might have offered us a mystery worth contemplating about the relationship between faith and fantasy.

The New York Times

If you really think there's nothing that needs examining, explaining, or contemplating about the causes of the current riots, then please steer clear of message boards and articles that are designed for precisely that purpose".

The Guardian

You will be there at your job, complacently contemplating about what you're doing.

Forbes

While we slackers, hackers and posers were contemplating about the 'next big thing' throughout the day here in the freestate of Odonia, a long well-known coeval of our times, 'ze copycat guy', suddenly and rather unexpected, has passed away.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Something to contemplate about the Packers: they made their Super Bowl run entirely on the road.

The New York Times

The strength of his book lies in his exhaustive, incisive exploration of possibilities that many people have barely begun to contemplate about a future dominated by China.

The New York Times - Books

Had Carson lived long enough to write the book she contemplated, about the rising seas and the changing climate, might it have been able to reach people's minds and hearts?

The New Yorker

Haines is skeptical about Californian horseracing ever enjoying the same gambling assets that other states enjoy: "There's even legislation contemplated about internet poker that we might or might not be part of.

The Guardian - Sport

He seems to have tried to work in every theme he's every contemplated about Japanese history and identity: the problematic relationship between East and West, the Japanese underworld, anti-Semitism, the role of the foreigner in Japan, the web of connections and obligations that knits together Japanese society.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to convey thinking deeply about something, use "contemplating" without "about". For example, instead of "contemplating about the future", write "contemplating the future".

Common error

Don't add "about" after "contemplating". The verb "contemplate" already implies thinking deeply about something, so adding "about" is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplating about" functions as a verbal phrase intended to describe a state of deep thought or reflection. However, according to Ludwig, it's grammatically incorrect; the correct form is simply "contemplating." The inclusion of "about" is redundant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "contemplating about" is used, it is considered grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig, the correct usage is simply "contemplating". The unnecessary addition of "about" is a common error that should be avoided in formal writing. Instead, consider using alternatives like "thinking about", "reflecting on", or simply "contemplating" followed by the object of thought. While examples exist across news, science, and wiki sources, prioritizing grammatical accuracy will enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking about

Uses a more common verb and preposition for expressing reflection.

considering

A more concise and grammatically correct way to express contemplation.

pondering over

Emphasizes deeper thought and consideration.

reflecting on

Implies a more formal and thoughtful consideration of a topic.

deliberating on

Suggests a careful and thorough discussion or thought process.

mulling over

Suggests a slow and deliberate process of thinking.

meditating on

Implies a more spiritual or introspective form of contemplation.

reasoning about

Emphasizes the logical and analytical aspects of contemplation.

speculating about

Focuses on forming opinions or conjectures without firm evidence.

wondering about

Implies a sense of curiosity and uncertainty.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "contemplating about"?

No, "contemplating about" is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "contemplating". For example, use "I am contemplating my next move" instead of "I am contemplating about my next move".

What does "contemplating" mean?

"Contemplating" means thinking deeply or carefully about something. It suggests a prolonged period of reflection. For example, you might "contemplate a difficult decision" before making it.

What are some alternatives to "contemplating"?

Alternatives to "contemplating" include "thinking about", "reflecting on", "considering", and "pondering over". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How do I use "contemplating" in a sentence?

Use "contemplating" followed directly by the object of your thought. For example, "She is contemplating her future career path." Avoid adding "about" after "contemplating".