contemplating about what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contemplating about what' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing deep thought about a particular subject or situation. For example: After losing his job, John spent the day silently contemplating about what his next move should be.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I like to send you off to bed with a smile on your face or send you off contemplating about what you've just seen.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She contemplates, thinks about what could have been done differently on both sides, jots a few lines in her journal and triumphantly raises a glass to the future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The more disciplined you are about contemplating what you are smelling and tasting and then writing down your tasting notes, the better you'll become at analyzing and describing wine.

Forbes

And one of the scariest things to contemplate about the future is, what if the best days are behind us?

Huffington Post

Many of them came to talk to him about decisions they were contemplating — what job to take, where to live, what most to value.

The New Yorker

He argued that even "contemplating that would be contemplating betraying what people voted for" in June.

The Guardian

Tindle Newspapers' small but apparently successful experiment with online charging could offer interesting lessons for other larger groups contemplating what to do about the internet.

The Guardian

During all these hours of labor, Dubos was always thinking about experiments, contemplating what he would do that week in the laboratory, or honing his thoughts on a new lecture or book, so the time was not wasted.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

RUSHDIE: Contemplating death is what this story is about.

The New Yorker

Everyone who has been blown across the arctic walkway over 65th Street or stood elbow to elbow in the lobby of the New York State Theater or sat along the edge of the fountain, contemplating nothing, has an opinion about what works and does not work at Lincoln Center.

The New York Times

"I was contemplating what [that word] means and making work about it," she says.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor this expression to mark a clear emphasis on reflective thought, particularly about future possibilities or consequences.

Common error

Avoid overusing prepositions and consider alternatives such as "contemplating what" or "considering what" for a more concise and direct statement. The phrase "contemplating about what" can sometimes sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplating about what" primarily functions as a verbal phrase that introduces an object clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state of deep and thoughtful consideration, typically regarding a specific subject or future action. The phrase sets the stage for exploring potential solutions, consequences, or paths forward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contemplating about what" is used to express a deep and thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While functional and understandable, it is often considered redundant compared to the simpler "contemplating what". Its usage spans across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure the context justifies the emphasis on reflective thought and avoid overusing prepositions for conciseness. Consider alternatives like "thinking about what" or "considering what" for more streamlined writing. Therefore it’s more effective when conveying introspection or careful planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking about what

A more straightforward and common way of expressing consideration.

pondering what

This alternative uses a simpler verb to convey the same meaning of thinking deeply.

considering what

This option offers a more general term for thinking about something, suitable for various contexts.

reflecting on what

This suggests a more introspective and thoughtful examination of a subject.

wondering about what

Emphasizes a sense of curiosity and uncertainty in the thought process.

deliberating on what

Highlights a more formal and careful consideration of different options.

analyzing what

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components for careful examination.

assessing what

Implies evaluating the importance or value of something.

examining what

Suggests a closer and more detailed inspection of a particular subject.

scrutinizing what

Indicates a very careful and critical examination.

FAQs

Is it better to say "contemplating what" or "contemplating about what"?

While both phrases are understandable, "contemplating what" is generally considered more concise and grammatically preferred. Using "about" can sometimes be redundant, although "contemplating about what" is acceptable in certain contexts.

What does "contemplating what to do" mean?

It means you are deeply thinking about and considering possible actions or decisions. It suggests a thoughtful approach to a problem or situation, exploring potential solutions or outcomes before acting.

How can I rephrase "contemplating about what" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "thinking about what", "considering what", or "pondering what" to avoid redundancy while still conveying the intended meaning.

In what situations is "contemplating about what" most appropriate?

The phrase "contemplating about what" is most appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize deep thought and consideration. It's suitable when reflecting on significant issues or future plans, but be mindful of potential redundancy.