contemplating that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplating that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing thoughts or considerations about a specific idea or situation. Example: "She was contemplating that decision for weeks before finally making up her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Contemplating that scene, she mused: "Sometimes I feel sorry for her.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

If contemplating that makes your checkbook ache, there is some news, video and photos to at least make you chuckle.

The New York Times

Under normal circumstances, it is hard to imagine any institution's leadership contemplating that kind of gain-loss ratio with equanimity.

The New York Times

Like all Civil War generals, Lee appreciated that frontal assaults, like the one he was contemplating that morning, were rarely successful.

The New York Times

Several legislatures are contemplating that would increase access to guns, including proposals to allow guns on college campuses or in the parking lots of workplaces.

The New York Times

Contemplating that possibility, Segundo Castilla, a midfielder who only graduated to the national side last year, says: 'It would be the game of our lives.' Representing a population of 13 million Ecuador's list of achievements in football is a short one.

The Guardian - Sport

Luckily, nobody is seriously contemplating that.

The New York Times

As it happened, Livni had been contemplating that idea herself.

The New Yorker

"No dogs allowed," he reminded Ava every time she seemed to be contemplating that false haven.

The New Yorker

Contemplating that work, I hankered for another dozen that would extend and develop its angelic style.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "contemplating that" with specific actions or outcomes to enhance clarity. For example, "contemplating that course of action".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "contemplating that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "thinking about that" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemplating that" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses the act of thinking deeply about something. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contemplating that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a process of careful and thoughtful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media sources, signaling its widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, remember that although it can work in many contexts, it expresses a more formal tone than its simpler alternatives. Therefore, try to reserve it to formal and semi-formal conversations or written pieces. Consider alternatives like "considering that" or "thinking about that" for more casual scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering that

Emphasizes the act of taking something into account.

reflecting on that

Suggests a deeper, more thoughtful consideration of the topic.

thinking about that

A more general and less formal way of expressing consideration.

pondering that

Implies a careful and prolonged thought process.

deliberating on that

Highlights the process of weighing different options or aspects.

assessing that

Focuses on evaluating the merits or implications of something.

evaluating that

Similar to assessing, but may involve a more structured or formal evaluation.

reviewing that

Implies a careful examination, often in a formal setting.

analyzing that

Suggests a detailed and systematic examination of something.

considering the possibility of that

Adds a degree of uncertainty and speculation.

FAQs

What does "contemplating that" mean?

The phrase "contemplating that" means giving something careful thought or consideration. It suggests a process of deliberation and reflection before making a decision or forming an opinion.

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

You can use "contemplating that" to introduce a thought or idea that is being considered. For example, "She was "contemplating that" move for weeks before deciding."

What can I say instead of "contemplating that"?

You can use alternatives like "considering that", "reflecting on that", or "thinking about that" depending on the context.

Is "contemplating that" formal or informal?

"Contemplating that" is generally considered more formal than phrases like "thinking about that". It's suitable for academic writing, business reports, and other formal contexts.