i was contemplating whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was contemplating whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing thoughts or considerations about a particular decision or situation. Example: "I was contemplating whether to accept the job offer or continue my search for a better opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was contemplating whether or not to go: would socializing with a dictator's son someday come back to haunt me?

Huffington Post

In Delhi, I was contemplating whether or not to take an Uber one night, and the next day a woman accused her driver of rape.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The FCC said in June that it was contemplating whether it needed to update its rules, but the agency pointed to science from reputable health experts who dismiss fears that cellphones are dangerous.

The Washington Post

I'm contemplating whether or not to include the accompanying image of a dolphin intertwined with an anchor.

The New Yorker

When my colleagues and I were contemplating whether to move to the new company, I said, "Let's go for it".

The New York Times

There are a lot of them on show, and I admit to sometimes missing subtitles because I'm contemplating whether other Europeans know better when it comes to bedding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And when I see you are rewatching our favourite show, I am contemplating whether you were watching it alone or introducing it to your new boyfriend.

Huffington Post

I don't know about others, but I have already grown a beard, and I am contemplating whether a bandana might add something as well.

HuffPost

The family was contemplating whether to sign a D.N.R. consent form -- standing for do not resuscitate -- in case DiMaggio's heart stops beating.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2002, when David Letterman, Mr. Leno's competitor at CBS, was contemplating whether to renew his contract, Mr. Zucker offered him a show at 8 o'clock weeknights.

The New York Times

Faced with a worsening financial climate, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday that he was contemplating whether to propose changes to the state tax code, and he did not rule out the possibility that he would seek to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was contemplating whether" to introduce a thoughtful consideration of different possibilities or options. It's suitable for expressing a reflective state of mind before making a decision.

Common error

While "contemplating" is a valid word, avoid using it excessively in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "thinking about" or "considering" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was contemplating whether" functions as an introductory clause setting the stage for a dilemma, consideration, or decision-making process. It directly mirrors Ludwig AI's suggestion of reflecting internal deliberation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was contemplating whether" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a thoughtful consideration of different possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it leans towards formal contexts and signals a reflective state of mind. More casual alternatives include "I was thinking about whether" or "I was wondering whether". Its frequency is uncommon, appearing often in News & Media, with less prevalence in academic settings. Therefore, use this phrase when you wish to express careful and deliberate thought, keeping in mind the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was considering whether

This alternative uses "considering" which is a direct synonym of "contemplating" and maintains a similar level of formality.

I was pondering whether

This uses "pondering", a synonym of "contemplating", which makes the sentence sound slightly more formal.

I was trying to decide whether

This phrase clearly states the act of making a decision as an active process.

I was debating whether

This alternative highlights the internal argument or discussion one might have before making a decision.

I was assessing whether

This emphasizes the evaluation of different possibilities before arriving at a conclusion.

I was thinking about whether

This option is less formal, employing "thinking about" to convey a similar meaning of pondering a decision.

I was wondering whether

This suggests a sense of curiosity or uncertainty about a particular choice or situation.

I was weighing up whether

This option is more common in British English and suggests balancing different factors.

I was giving thought to whether

This alternative is a more verbose way of expressing consideration of a matter.

I was figuring out whether

This implies a problem-solving approach to deciding among options.

FAQs

What does "I was contemplating whether" mean?

It means you were seriously considering or thinking about a specific decision or situation, often weighing different options.

Is it better to say "I was contemplating whether" or "I was considering whether"?

Both are correct and very similar. "Contemplating" can sound slightly more formal or reflective than "I was considering whether", but they are often interchangeable.

Can "I was contemplating whether" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it's suitable for formal writing. It expresses a thoughtful consideration, fitting well in academic or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "I was contemplating whether" for informal situations?

In more casual settings, you could use phrases like "I was thinking about whether" or "I was wondering whether".