contemplating obtaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplating obtaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the consideration or thought process involved in acquiring something. Example: "She is contemplating obtaining a new car to improve her daily commute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Red Sox contemplated obtaining closer Eric Gagné in 2006, and the report included Epstein's e-mail message to a Red Sox scout inquiring about whether he thought Gagné was "a steroid guy".

The New York Times

Ms. Wright has been trained in firearms and contemplates obtaining a firearm to protect herself in her home in accordance with District of Columbia law.

The Washington Post

It is the responsibility of any person or organization contemplating export to obtain such a license before exporting.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Would they even contemplate these events if obtaining weapons were made more difficult?

Huffington Post

TB control personnel contemplating adopting this strategy should obtain legal guidance before an outbreak occurs because privacy laws vary from one locality to another.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Thousands of people come each year for genetic testing, both pregnant couples trying to decide, whether they should have prenatal diagnosis via amniocentesis and young Orthodox Jewish men and women contemplating marriage, but wanting to obtain genetic information before developing a serious relationship.

Human Genetics

As we have often publicly stated, and as legislation currently before Congress contemplates, the United States government is considering obtaining more information from Visa Waiver Program countries regarding travelers to elevate security in light of recent threats.

The New York Times

On behalf of NGN Ltd , BCLsubsequently provided information and documentation to the MPS in response to its requests and consequently no formal court order under Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984, as had originally been contemplated, was sought or obtained by the police".

The Guardian

If similar trials are contemplated in future to obtain accurate interspecies comparisons in the early years of plant growth, it is recommended that plant materials should be of a similar size at the time of establishment where possible and of similar physiological age, even though nursery and planting practices result in different sized materials being sold and planted.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Applying this concept with regard to the social uptake of innovation related to sustainable development—and this is what was contemplated in the ATLAS one obtains the Quintuple Helix Approach [40].

Environmental Sciences Europe

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contemplating obtaining", ensure that the object being obtained is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This will avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplating obtaining" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "thinking about getting" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplating obtaining" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of considering the acquisition of something. It combines the present participle of "contemplate" with the gerund of "obtain", expressing an ongoing mental process towards a potential action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contemplating obtaining" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to express the act of considering the acquisition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's more formal than everyday alternatives, it's appropriate for professional, academic, and news contexts. Its use suggests deliberation and forethought. Consider using simpler alternatives like "thinking about getting" in informal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering acquiring

Replaces "contemplating" with "considering" for a more straightforward expression of thought.

thinking about getting

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the idea of considering obtaining something.

planning to procure

Replaces both words with more formal equivalents, suggesting a structured approach.

intending to get

Focuses on the intention behind the act of obtaining, rather than the contemplation.

entertaining the possibility of acquiring

Highlights the speculative nature of the consideration.

exploring the option of securing

Emphasizes the investigative aspect of considering acquiring something.

evaluating whether to obtain

Focuses on the decision-making process of assessing the value of obtaining.

assessing the prospect of getting

Highlights the future-oriented evaluation of obtaining.

weighing up the acquisition of

Adds a sense of careful consideration and balancing of factors.

mulling over the purchase of

Suggests a prolonged and thoughtful consideration of a specific acquisition.

FAQs

How can I use "contemplating obtaining" in a sentence?

You can use "contemplating obtaining" to express the act of thinking about acquiring something. For example, "She is contemplating obtaining a new degree to advance her career."

What are some alternatives to "contemplating obtaining"?

You can use alternatives like "considering acquiring", "thinking about getting", or "planning to procure" depending on the context.

Is "contemplating obtaining" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "contemplating obtaining" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "thinking about getting" are often more suitable.

What's the difference between "contemplating obtaining" and "considering obtaining"?

"Contemplating obtaining" suggests a more prolonged or thoughtful consideration compared to "considering obtaining", which implies a more general act of thinking about it.