he contemplates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he contemplates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is thinking deeply or considering something thoughtfully. Example: "As he contemplates the meaning of life, he finds himself lost in thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There, he contemplates war.

The New Yorker

He contemplates it silently.

The Guardian - Arts

Munching a biscuit, he contemplates this.

Independent

He contemplates being with his children.

The New Yorker

In his Last Poems (1932) he contemplates death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He grins to himself as he contemplates his next move.

The New Yorker

Cheney glowers, he contemplates, he takes notes with a pen.

The New Yorker

He contemplates Japan's wartime experience with regret, rather than indignation.

The New York Times

He also suffers trances during which he contemplates existential questions.

The Washington Post

He contemplates a palm turned septic from a scratch.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He contemplates taking his cute nanny as his second wife.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he contemplates" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration or reflection, especially on abstract or complex topics. It adds a touch of formality and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he contemplates" in situations where a simpler verb like "he thinks" or "he considers" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he contemplates" functions as a third-person singular subject ("he") followed by a present tense verb ("contemplates"). It describes an action of thinking deeply or reflecting. Ludwig examples show its wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he contemplates" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone engaging in deep thought or reflection. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans across various contexts from news and media to encyclopedias and academic writing, adding a layer of formality and depth. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a thoughtful consideration is genuinely intended, avoiding overuse in simpler scenarios where words like "thinks" or "considers" suffice. Alternatives include "he ponders" or "he reflects on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he considers

Focuses on a more general act of thinking about something.

he reflects on

Emphasizes a deeper, more thoughtful consideration of past events or experiences.

he ponders

Suggests a more weighty or significant matter being considered.

he muses on

Implies a more relaxed or whimsical form of contemplation.

he deliberates

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

he meditates on

Suggests a more spiritual or introspective form of contemplation.

he speculates about

Focuses on forming theories or conjectures without firm evidence.

he ruminates about

Implies a deep and often anxious consideration, often dwelling on negative thoughts.

he is deep in thought

Describes the state of contemplation rather than the act itself.

he wrestles with

Highlights the challenging or difficult nature of the consideration.

FAQs

What does "he contemplates" mean?

The phrase "he contemplates" means he is thinking deeply or seriously about something. It suggests a thoughtful consideration of a particular subject.

How can I use "he contemplates" in a sentence?

You can use "he contemplates" to describe someone who is reflecting on an idea, situation, or problem. For example, "He contemplates the meaning of life" or "He contemplates his next move".

What are some alternatives to "he contemplates"?

You can use alternatives like "he considers", "he reflects on", or "he ponders" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he contemplates" formal or informal?

"He contemplates" is generally considered a more formal expression. In more casual settings, phrases like "he thinks about" or "he's thinking about" might be more appropriate.