in contemplation of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in contemplation of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means "with the intention or expectation of something happening." Example: The couple decided to purchase a larger home in contemplation of starting a family in the near future.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was constantly on the road, speaking at international conferences, and lost in contemplation of relativity.

Britannica

The charges were later adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, the lawsuit said.

The New York Times

But the production often feels paralyzed in contemplation of the mysteries that lurk in everyday lives.

The New York Times

Where Mr. Smith Goes In contemplation of retirement, I bought a place in Palm Springs, Calif.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Rabin and Williams divided their marital property in contemplation of divorce.

Cornell University

Their agreement, accepted by Judge Burke, was an "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal".

The New York Times

One sat before her, his silver head bowed in contemplation of his foolishness.

The New York Times - Magazine

No one prepared harder or longer in contemplation of those moves than Fischer.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Miller has not written on the Plame matter, though she conducted interviews in contemplation of a possible article.

The New York Times

Balke's imagination is ice-bound, frozen in contemplation of something at the very edge of human experience.

The Guardian - Arts

Question one: Was the premium paid by Mr. Chapin for the, policy's first year in "contemplation of death"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in contemplation of" when you want to express that an action is being taken or a decision is being made with a specific future event or possibility in mind. It adds a layer of foresight and intention to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in contemplation of" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "thinking about" or "planning for" would be more appropriate. This phrase can sound stilted in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contemplation of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. Ludwig examples showcase this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in contemplation of" functions as a prepositional phrase to indicate that an action or decision is made with a specific future event in mind. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts. Its formality suggests careful consideration and foresight, distinguishing it from simpler alternatives like "considering" or "planning for". Predominantly found in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, this phrase adds a layer of intention to writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in anticipation of

Highlights the proactive preparation for a future event, similar to "contemplation".

in consideration of

Highlights the careful thought and assessment given to a particular matter.

with the expectation of

Replaces "contemplation" with "expectation", focusing on the anticipation of an event.

with the intent to

Focuses on the purpose and motivation behind an action or decision.

with a view to

Emphasizes the intended outcome or purpose of the action.

preparing for

Highlights the readiness and arrangements being made.

considering

Simplifies the phrase to a single verb, focusing on the act of thinking about something.

planning for

Focuses on the active process of making arrangements for something.

in light of

Shifts the focus to the circumstances or information that prompts consideration.

expecting

A more direct and less formal way of expressing anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "in contemplation of" in a sentence?

Use "in contemplation of" to indicate that something is being done or considered with a future event in mind. For example, "They are saving money "in contemplation of" retirement".

What are some alternatives to "in contemplation of"?

You can use alternatives like "in anticipation of", "with the expectation of", or "considering" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "in contemplation of"?

It's appropriate to use "in contemplation of" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is being made with careful thought and foresight about a future event or possibility.

Is "in contemplation of" more formal than "considering"?

Yes, "in contemplation of" is generally more formal than "considering". "Considering" is a simpler and more direct way to express the act of thinking about something, while "in contemplation of" suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration of future implications.