it was contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing thoughts, ideas, or plans that were considered or thought about in the past. Example: "During the meeting, it was contemplated that we might need to revise our strategy to better align with market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The idea of a reprieve from a terrible sacrifice, I realized, was not so dissimilar from the idea of survival in a new land, particularly if it was contemplated over a delicious and labor-intensive meal.

The New Yorker

His administration had not even considered a declaration of independence then, he said, but it was contemplated now, and he believed Anglo-Rhodesian relations were at their all-time lowest ebb.

Wikipedia

At first, it was contemplated that the dissimilar assay composition employed in the new assay system might influence the outcome of inhibitors' results.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

CBS said Monday that it was contemplating changes to its coverage plans as well.

The New York Times

And, at a time of growing public unease about keeping cetaceans in captivity, it was contemplating something unprecedented: moving its eight dolphins to a sanctuary.

The New Yorker

The Bush administration denied it was contemplating an early exit for its armed forces.

The Economist

The Soviet Union, while supporting Lithuania in principle, did not wish to disrupt its relations with Germany at that point, since it was contemplating an alliance with the Nazis.

Wikipedia

The stock market thought RSA was worth 440p before Zurich said it was contemplating a bid.

The Guardian - Business

Then MGM Mirage, with some $14 billion in debt, said in March that it was contemplating bankruptcy.

The New York Times

Chuck Cutolo, director of governmental affairs for the college, said it was contemplating using one of the 22 colonial homes it will receive as a bed-and-breakfast.

The New York Times

The government denied that it was contemplating this, but warned of "sanctions" against private businesses if the beans were not exported by a March 31 deadline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who was doing the contemplating, even if it's implied. Clarity is key for passive constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "it was contemplated" when you want to emphasize the actor of the contemplation. If the actor is important, rewrite the sentence in the active voice: "The committee contemplated the proposal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was contemplated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an idea, action, or plan was the object of consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suited for describing past considerations, often implying a degree of formality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was contemplated" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe past consideration of an idea or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, while suitable for formal contexts like news, science, and academic writing, it implies a thoughtful deliberation without necessarily leading to action. The analysis reveals it is relatively rare compared to synonyms like "it was considered". When using this phrase, ensure you maintain a passive voice construction and consider whether the formality aligns with your intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was considered

Replaces "contemplated" with a more common synonym, resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

it was thought about

Simplifies the phrase to a more basic and informal expression of consideration.

it was envisioned

Emphasizes the act of forming a mental image or future plan rather than simple consideration.

it was under consideration

Highlights the ongoing nature of the evaluation process.

it was being considered

Similar to "it was under consideration" but emphasizes the continuous process of consideration.

it was planned

Indicates a higher degree of certainty and preparation compared to merely contemplating something.

it was intended

Focuses on the purpose or goal behind the action, highlighting the intention behind it.

it was weighed

Suggests careful evaluation and balancing of different factors before a decision.

it was explored

Implies a detailed examination or investigation, going beyond simple contemplation.

it was assessed

Focuses on evaluating the merit or importance of something, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "it was contemplated" in a sentence?

Use "it was contemplated" to describe an idea or action that was considered in the past. For example, "It was contemplated that the project might be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "it was contemplated"?

Alternatives include "it was considered", "it was envisioned", or "it was planned", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was contemplated" formal or informal?

"It was contemplated" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, you might prefer "it was thought about".

What is the difference between "it was contemplated" and "it was considered"?

While both phrases indicate that something was thought about, "it was contemplated" suggests a more thorough and deliberate consideration than "it was considered".