simply contemplating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply contemplating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a state of thought or reflection without any additional complexity or action involved. Example: "After a long day, I found myself simply contemplating the choices I had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His renovation project completed, he began bringing in items, one at a time, and simply contemplating them.

The New York Times - Arts

Much of his design process was spent simply contemplating an object, and he once spent a holiday at a Zen monastery in Japan.

The New York Times - Arts

By calling for an end to filibusters, the Senate is simply contemplating restoring its traditions by traditional methods you disparage as "nuclear," even though they were once endorsed by such leading Democrats as Senators Edward M. Kennedy, Charles E. Schumer and Robert C. Byrd.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Audiences would do well to forget all the possible destinations and simply contemplate the beauty of the draftsmanship.

The New York Times - Arts

Faced with the work, we must try to dispel all the busy suggestions of the mind and simply contemplate the object in front of us.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can stare out of a window, read or simply contemplate the good things in life – a prospect that has just been spectacularly enhanced with last month's launch of the new Paris-Barcelona TGV link.

The Guardian - Travel

"The Old Plum," painted by Kano Eino's father, invests the Chinese-derived landscape motif of an ancient tree budding into fresh life with a sense of monstrous violence, as if nature were a force to fear rather than simply contemplate.

The New York Times - Arts

They cannot simply contemplate such a theory; they need to be able to assert it as well (Azzouni 2009b, footnotes 31, 43, 53, and 55, and p. 171).

SEP

To simply contemplate living in this way is in itself a change.

Huffington Post

It interests me to strip the sexual charge away from the naked body, so that we can take pause to simply contemplate it".

Vice

And so, rather than thumbing through a handbook, Britain's new leadership might have simply contemplated the words of former Defense minister Kevan Jones: "I didn't buy any Danish pastries -- I'd expect them to be bought for me". 1. Enjoy it!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply contemplating" to emphasize a state of thought or reflection devoid of complexity or action. For instance, "After a long day, he found himself simply contemplating the sunset."

Common error

Avoid using "simply contemplating" when the context implies more than just passive thought. If the subject is actively analyzing or planning, choose a more descriptive verb phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply contemplating" functions as a gerund phrase, often used to describe an action or state of being. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It typically serves as a complement or part of a larger clause, as illustrated in examples like "simply contemplating them" or "simply contemplating risks".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply contemplating" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys a state of uncomplicated thought or reflection. While relatively rare, it appears in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias and wikis, with a neutral register. When writing, remember that "simply contemplating" is best used to describe passive thought, and you can find effective alternatives like "merely considering" or "just pondering" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely considering

Focuses on the act of thinking about something with minimal additional action.

just pondering

Highlights a casual and thoughtful consideration of a topic.

plainly reflecting

Emphasizes uncomplicated and straightforward thought.

only thinking about

Indicates an exclusive focus on mental consideration, without physical action.

quietly musing

Implies a serene and thoughtful state of reflection.

solely deliberating

Focuses on the act of carefully weighing options or ideas.

genuinely absorbed in thought

Emphasizes deep engagement in a particular thought.

uncomplicated reflection

Highlights the lack of complexity in the act of contemplation.

passively considering

Implies a relaxed and unforced manner of contemplation.

directly contemplating

Suggests an explicit and focused contemplation on a subject.

FAQs

What does "simply contemplating" mean?

The phrase "simply contemplating" means to be thinking about something in a basic, uncomplicated way. It implies a state of reflection without deep analysis or planning.

How can I use "simply contemplating" in a sentence?

You can use "simply contemplating" to describe someone who is reflecting on something without taking action. For example, "She spent the afternoon "simply contemplating" her future."

What are some alternatives to "simply contemplating"?

Alternatives include "merely considering", "just pondering", or "plainly reflecting". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "simply contemplating" formal or informal?

"Simply contemplating" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might sound slightly more reflective than some alternatives.