he contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is thinking deeply or considering something carefully. Example: "As he sat by the window, he contemplated the choices he had made in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He contemplated being scanned.

The New York Times

He contemplated it.

The New Yorker

He contemplated suicide.

The New York Times - Arts

At28, he contemplated suicide".

The Guardian

Has he contemplated leaving?

The Guardian - Books

At one point he contemplated suicide.

Independent

For a brief moment he contemplated retirement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He contemplated retirement last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Johnston paused as he contemplated his answer.

The Guardian

In a lighthearted way, he contemplated death.

The New York Times - Arts

But one he contemplated with particular attention.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he contemplated" when you want to emphasize a period of thoughtful consideration or reflection, often before a decision or action. It adds a sense of depth to the character's internal state.

Common error

Avoid using "he contemplated" for trivial decisions. Reserve it for situations where the character is genuinely engaged in deep thought or serious consideration, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he contemplated" typically functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, where "he" is the subject and "contemplated" is the past tense of the verb "contemplate". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he contemplated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone engaging in deep thought or reflection. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news articles to encyclopedic entries, though it is most prevalent in the news and media. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances such as depth of thought or the situation's formality, which affects choices like "he considered" versus "he pondered".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he considered

Focuses on the act of thinking carefully about something, similar to "he contemplated" but slightly more general.

he pondered

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration than "he contemplated".

he reflected on

Suggests thinking about something in the past, often with a sense of nostalgia or regret.

he mused about

Implies a more casual, less structured form of thinking.

he deliberated

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration, often before making a decision.

he weighed up

Emphasizes the process of balancing different options or factors.

he thought over

A more colloquial way of saying "he considered".

he envisioned

Focuses on forming a mental image of something, rather than just thinking about it.

he entertained the idea of

Suggests considering something as a possibility, without necessarily committing to it.

he gave thought to

Highlights the act of dedicating mental energy to a specific subject.

FAQs

How to use "he contemplated" in a sentence?

Use "he contemplated" to describe someone deeply thinking about a situation, often before making a decision. For example, "He contemplated his future after the unexpected job offer".

What can I say instead of "he contemplated"?

You can use alternatives like "he considered", "he pondered", or "he reflected on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "he contemplated" formal or informal?

"He contemplated" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for both writing and speech. The level of formality depends on the overall context of the sentence.

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

While both imply thinking about something, "he contemplated" suggests a deeper, more prolonged period of thought than "he considered". Contemplation often involves more profound or complex issues.