should contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should contemplate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting that someone consider or think deeply about a particular issue or decision. For example: "Students should contemplate their future career paths before choosing a major." Alternative expressions include "should consider" and "ought to reflect on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's what the movement should contemplate.

The Guardian

"The U.S. imperialist warhawks should contemplate".

The New York Times

It suggests hopelessness and that they should contemplate suicide.

The Guardian

— that no one who loves the form should contemplate with pleasure," he wrote.

The New York Times - Books

Until then, he wrote, "physicians should contemplate whether the risk-benefit ratio justifies prescribing it".

The New York Times

There may be many good reasons why he should contemplate spending more time with his skis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I think we should just observe and whenever we see something unusual, we should think, contemplate the possibility that it could be artificial.

Huffington Post

When should one contemplate apologising?

The Guardian - Film

No lay person should even contemplate the hedgehog.

The New York Times - Arts

But before despairing, one should perhaps contemplate the words of Oscar Wilde, surely the king of bantz.

The Guardian

The protection of morals should not contemplate a restriction that bites on the impoverished but not the wealthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should contemplate", ensure that the subject is capable of thoughtful consideration. This phrase is best suited for situations requiring careful deliberation rather than impulsive action.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "should contemplate" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should contemplate" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advisability or recommendation combined with an action requiring thoughtful consideration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should contemplate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for recommending thoughtful consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most common in news and media, and scientific writing, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, remember that the subject must be capable of thoughtful deliberation. Alternative phrases include "ought to consider" and "need to ponder", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. While versatile, avoid overusing it in informal contexts where simpler terms like "think about" are more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis reinforces the phrase's validity and broad applicability across diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to consider

More formal alternative that suggests a moral obligation or advisability to think about something.

need to ponder

Emphasizes a deeper level of thought and reflection required on the matter.

should reflect on

Focuses on looking back and thinking carefully about something that has already happened.

might consider

Suggests a possibility or option to think about, less forceful than "should".

need to think through

Emphasizes a systematic and thorough consideration of all aspects.

must deliberate

Implies a formal and careful discussion or consideration.

should give thought to

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the act of thinking.

have to mull over

Suggests turning something over in one's mind for a while.

must take into account

Highlights the necessity of considering specific factors.

should take under advisement

A formal way of saying something will be seriously considered.

FAQs

How to use "should contemplate" in a sentence?

The phrase "should contemplate" suggests a need for careful consideration. For example, "Students should contemplate their career options before choosing a major".

What can I say instead of "should contemplate"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to consider", "need to ponder", or "should reflect on" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "should contemplate"?

It's appropriate to use "should contemplate" when suggesting a deliberate and thoughtful consideration of something, often implying a degree of importance or complexity.

What's the difference between "should contemplate" and "should consider"?

"Should contemplate" implies a deeper, more prolonged consideration than "should consider". Contemplation suggests a more meditative and thorough examination of the issue.