he is contemplating

USAGE SUMMARY

"he is contemplating" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is commonly used as a present progressive verb phrase to describe someone who is deeply thinking or considering something. Example: "John sat on the bench, his head in his hands as he is contemplating his next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now he is contemplating adding bike rentals.

The New York Times

He is contemplating me with delighted admiration.

The Guardian - Books

He is contemplating a return to landscaping.

The New York Times

He is contemplating going back to the village.

The New Yorker

His joined hands give me the impression he is contemplating.

The Guardian

He is contemplating giving her an engagement ring he has stowed in his car's glove compartment.

The New York Times

And so as Mr. Rueda celebrates that achievement, he is contemplating semi-retirement.

The New York Times

Six months before his end, he is contemplating "the mystery of summoning up words.

The Guardian - Books

Now 57, he is contemplating retirement after 28 years of getting to work at 5 a.m.

The New York Times

But at age 69, he is contemplating an inevitable sunset -- his own.

The New York Times

He is contemplating running for Minnesota's Legislature — against a 19-term incumbent, Representative Phyllis Kahn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is contemplating" when you want to convey a sense of thoughtful consideration and planning, especially when the subject is weighing different options or potential actions.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "he is contemplating" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he's thinking about" or "he's considering" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is contemplating" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, describing an ongoing state of thinking deeply about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is contemplating" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes someone engaged in a thoughtful consideration of options or actions. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it tends to lean towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news, professional, and academic contexts. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, opting for simpler phrases like "he is thinking about" in informal settings. Remember that "contemplating" often suggests a more prolonged and deliberate process than simply "considering".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is considering

This alternative offers a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of weighing options.

he is thinking about

This is a more general alternative, indicating a state of mental consideration.

he is pondering

This suggests a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

he is mulling over

This implies a slow, deliberate process of thinking.

he is weighing up

This alternative highlights the comparison of different factors.

he is giving thought to

This is a more formal way of saying he is considering something.

he is reflecting on

This suggests a deeper, more introspective consideration.

he is toying with the idea of

This implies that the idea is not yet fully formed or seriously considered.

he is envisioning

Focuses on mental images of future possibilities.

he is planning

Suggests a more concrete and actionable intention.

FAQs

How can I use "he is contemplating" in a sentence?

Use "he is contemplating" to describe someone who is thoughtfully considering a particular action or decision. For example, "After reviewing the data, he is contemplating a new strategy."

What are some alternatives to "he is contemplating"?

You can use alternatives like "he is considering", "he is thinking about", or "he is pondering" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "he is contemplating" formal or informal?

"He is contemplating" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, phrases like "he's thinking about" or "he's considering" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "he is contemplating" and "he is considering"?

While similar, "he is contemplating" often implies a deeper, more prolonged period of thought and reflection than "he is considering". The latter suggests a more immediate and potentially less involved level of thought.