having contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has thought about something carefully or deeply before making a decision or taking action. Example: "Having contemplated the various options, she decided to pursue a different career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He admits having contemplated suicide and says "only my art held me back".

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Ozon seems to be on a baby bender, his previous film, "Ricky," having contemplated the joys and responsibilities of infant caretaking.

The New York Times

The other is gratitude: it is easier to appreciate a first job after having contemplated, or had to experience, the possibility of no job at all.

The Economist

Yet, having contemplated alternatives for the role, the owners spoke with Allardyce on Tuesday and confirmed he will retain his position, albeit with considerable demands placed on what they expect of the team next season.

The Guardian - Sport

In a 2001 University of Houston study of 153 survivors of nearly lethal attempts between the ages of 13 and 34, only 13percentt reported having contemplated their act for eight hours or longer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. McDaniels, who suffers from spasmodic dysphonia, a vocal disorder that often makes him sound as if he's on the brink of tears, admits to having contemplated suicide in the past.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Several said that they had contemplated suicide.

The New York Times

Not something Richard Hoggart would ever have contemplated.

The Guardian - Books

He would have contemplated the move for months.

The Economist

It seems strange the I.O.C. wouldn't have contemplated clothing.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Berger is said to have contemplated giving up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having contemplated" to indicate a period of thoughtful consideration that directly precedes an action or decision. It adds a sense of intentionality and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "having contemplated" if the sentence does not clearly link the act of contemplation to a direct outcome or decision. Ensure the sentence structure reflects a cause-and-effect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having contemplated" functions as a gerund phrase, often used to introduce a clause that explains the reason or basis for a subsequent action or decision. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a state of prior thought or reflection leading to a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having contemplated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that conveys prior, thoughtful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and implies a deliberate decision-making process. When using "having contemplated", ensure a clear connection to the subsequent action or outcome to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "after considering" or "upon reflection" for slightly different nuances. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it appropriate for professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having considered

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of considering.

after considering

Focuses on the action of considering something that has already occurred.

after giving thought to

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the act of thinking.

upon reflection

Highlights the act of thinking deeply about something in the past.

once having pondered

Emphasizes a deep and thoughtful consideration of the subject.

after deliberation

Emphasizes a careful and lengthy consideration process.

with prior consideration

Highlights that the consideration happened before a specific action or decision.

on careful consideration

Underscores the thoroughness of the thought process.

with due consideration

Highlights the importance and respect given to the thought process.

in light of

Suggests considering something in the context of new information.

FAQs

How can I use "having contemplated" in a sentence?

Use "having contemplated" to show that someone thought carefully about something before acting, for example: "Having contemplated the risks, she proceeded with the investment".

What phrases are similar to "having contemplated"?

Similar phrases include "after considering", "upon reflection", or "after deliberation", all indicating a prior period of thought.

Is it always necessary to include a direct outcome after "having contemplated"?

While not strictly required, it's best practice to link the contemplation to a result for clarity. For example: "Having contemplated the matter, he remained silent" shows a clear connection, while "Having contemplated" by itself lacks context.

What's the difference between "having contemplated" and "having considered"?

Both indicate thought, but "having contemplated" implies a deeper, more prolonged consideration. "Having considered" is more general, while "having contemplated" suggests a more profound reflection.