contemplating applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplating applying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the consideration of submitting an application for a job, program, or opportunity. Example: "I am contemplating applying for the graduate program at the university next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Many other Oregonians were contemplating applying for approval, James Romney, 56, is one.

The New York Times

(Simon has obtained a copy of the employees' manual, and is contemplating applying for a summer job).

The New Yorker

"Is a PhD for Me?", a conference for students with disabilities who are contemplating applying to graduate school in the biomedical sciences was held on Saturday, April 14th.

University of California, Berkeley

I was contemplating applying to business school as my next professional step.

Forbes

He volunteered at elementary schools, contemplating applying for teachers college, and spent time helping out at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), where he developed a fondness for paleontology.

Science Magazine

It was common knowledge that the company was among the weakest of the major carriers even before Sept. 11, and last month the company said it was contemplating applying for the loan guarantee.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Hegdal said he had not previously contemplated applying to any Ivy League school.

The New York Times

Shirmohamadi says he cannot contemplate applying to the US if it means abandoning his family.

The Guardian

Living in Boston, Ms. Hua had received an elite education in the United States, landed a consulting job and even contemplated applying for American citizenship.

The New York Times

That lapse will leave about 37,000 residents of the state, like Robert C. Brannigan, without benefits this week, and will force others to contemplate applying for food stamps or other forms of welfare that they had never considered.

The New York Times

Most people from a modern sink estate would find it as hard to envisage pitching for a publishing contract as they would to contemplate applying to be a high court judge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplating applying" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration and deliberation before taking action. It suggests a deeper level of reflection than simply "thinking about applying".

Common error

Avoid using "contemplating applying" in very casual conversations or informal writing, where simpler alternatives like "thinking about applying" might be more appropriate. This ensures your language aligns with the context and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplating applying" functions as a verbal phrase acting as a noun. It describes the act of thoughtfully considering whether to submit an application. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplating applying" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing the act of thoughtfully considering whether to submit an application. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct. While not overly formal, it conveys a more deliberate and reflective tone compared to simpler alternatives like "thinking about applying". The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", suggesting its suitability for professional and informed contexts. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering applying

Replaces "contemplating" with "considering", indicating a similar level of thoughtfulness but slightly less formal.

thinking about applying

Uses a more common and informal verb phrase, "thinking about", instead of "contemplating".

planning to apply

Shifts the focus to the planning stage, implying a stronger intention than just contemplating.

intending to apply

Emphasizes the intention to apply, suggesting a more decided course of action.

eyeing an application

A more figurative expression, suggesting a desire and consideration of applying.

weighing up applying

Focuses on the process of evaluating the pros and cons of applying.

debating whether to apply

Highlights the internal debate and uncertainty involved in the decision.

exploring the possibility of applying

Suggests a preliminary investigation into whether applying is a viable option.

considering a candidacy

Focuses on the role or position being applied for, replacing "applying" with "candidacy".

assessing the application process

Emphasizes the evaluation of the application process itself.

FAQs

What does "contemplating applying" mean?

The phrase "contemplating applying" means you are seriously considering and thoughtfully evaluating whether to submit an application for something, such as a job, program, or opportunity.

What can I say instead of "contemplating applying"?

You can use alternatives like "considering applying", "thinking about applying", or "planning to apply" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "contemplating applying"?

It's appropriate to use "contemplating applying" when you want to emphasize a period of thoughtful consideration and assessment before making a decision about applying. It's suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts.

Is "contemplating to apply" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "contemplating applying". "Contemplating" takes a gerund (applying) as its object, not an infinitive (to apply).