serious contemplation

USAGE SUMMARY

'serious contemplation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when considering something with great care and attention, for example, "After serious contemplation, she decided to take the job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A serious contemplation of the power and uses of storytelling, it is also sinfully delicious.

The New York Times

The situation would have to worsen dramatically for there to be serious contemplation of a boycott.

The Guardian

He cites a pile of research showing that the multidistraction, hyperlink world degrades people's abilities to engage in deep thought or serious contemplation.

The New York Times

It is generally felt that, both as a person worthy of special regard and as an idea worthy of serious contemplation, the child began to come into his own in the second half of the 18th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But for the 800,000 tourists who visit every year, the experience is awful.The problems start with traffic noise from the two A-roads that border the stones, interrupting serious contemplation of planetary movements.

The Economist

One of the most remarkable aspects of the debate about overhauling the financial system after the great crisis was the absence of serious contemplation of breaking up the largest banks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It rewards slow, serious, long contemplation.

The Washington Post

The rapid-fire, ultra-glitzy, superstar-driven nature of professional football as it is played on any given Sunday does not always lend itself to serious literary contemplation.

The New York Times

Its ever-expanding ministries continue, and the rise of such service-oriented leaders as Barack Obama and Rick Warren suggests wider embrace of its basic philosophy: A commitment to serious, inward contemplation as well as ambitious social justice work.

The Washington Post

If your relationship is consistently chaotic, and you're exhausted from the emotional mayhem, it's time for some serious relationship contemplation.

HuffPost

"After serious and thorough contemplation, I realize that my responsibilities & energy at this time need to be focused on my family," she wrote.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "serious contemplation" to convey a sense of deep and careful consideration, especially when discussing important decisions or complex issues. This phrase adds a layer of gravitas and thoughtfulness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "serious contemplation" in contexts that require lighter, more casual reflection. The phrase is best suited for scenarios where careful and profound thought is warranted, not for everyday musings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "serious contemplation" is as a noun phrase functioning as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating a state or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious contemplation" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that denotes a deep and thoughtful consideration of a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s commonly found in news articles, scientific literature, and encyclopedias, signaling its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When writing, use this phrase to convey the importance and depth of the thought process. Remember to avoid using it in light-hearted contexts where a more casual term would be appropriate. If you are searching for alternatives, phrases like "deep reflection" or "earnest consideration" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep reflection

Emphasizes the depth of thought rather than the intensity of consideration.

earnest consideration

Highlights the sincerity and importance attached to the thought process.

intense deliberation

Focuses on the rigorous and thorough nature of the thinking process.

thoughtful consideration

Stresses the care and attention given to a particular subject.

grave consideration

Implies a weighty and significant matter is being considered.

sober reflection

Indicates a serious and clear-minded approach to thinking.

careful thought

Highlights the meticulous nature of the thinking process.

profound thought

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the mental process.

close scrutiny

Shifts the focus to detailed examination rather than overall consideration.

thorough assessment

Focuses on evaluation and judgment rather than contemplation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "serious contemplation" in a sentence?

Use "serious contemplation" to describe a deliberate and thoughtful process. For example, "After "serious contemplation", she decided to change her career path."

What are some alternatives to "serious contemplation"?

Alternatives include "deep reflection", "earnest consideration", and "intense deliberation", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "serious contemplation" and "casual thought"?

"Serious contemplation" implies a deliberate, in-depth analysis, while "casual thought" refers to fleeting, less intense consideration. The former is for important decisions, the latter for everyday musings.

When is it appropriate to use "serious contemplation" in writing?

It is most appropriate when discussing significant decisions, complex problems, or philosophical inquiries that demand deep and careful thought. Avoid using it in light or trivial contexts.