start to contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the beginning of the process of thinking deeply about something. Example: "As I sat by the lake, I began to start to contemplate my future and the choices I had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But once you start to contemplate the technological ramifications, your brain starts to hurt.

The New York Times - Tech

"I think in fact over the coming days … they will start to contemplate very seriously whether in fact returning home is a better option," he said.

The Guardian

Hard to even begin thinking about how he might possibly start to contemplate what he might consider doing to potentially think about perhaps getting back into this.

The Guardian - Sport

If Mr Mugabe resists indefinitely, some African countries may even start to contemplate economic sanctions cutting off supplies of electricity, for instance that could jolt him into giving way.So Mr Mugabe may hold on for a while.

The Economist

Before she could even start to contemplate the needs of her young students, Ms. Blackmon, 51, had to sift through a trunk loaded high with her own emotional baggage.

The New York Times

When the Bank of England announced its forward guidance policy in August 2013, the unemployment rate stood at 7.8% and Threadneedle Street said it would only start to contemplate a rise in interest rates when it had dipped below 7%, something it did not envisage until early 2016.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Hardy, meanwhile, has reached breaking point, and starts to contemplate a previously unthinkable course of action.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I started to contemplate other men, and fantasize about his meeting someone else, just so he would back down.

The New York Times

I started to contemplate my own life growing up as a child without any books in the house – other than library books.

Independent

As someone who recently started to contemplate the wonders of the songline, I'd urge you to engage this week and take the journey too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as they are starting to contemplate spending the rest of their youth behind bars, they are given a glimmer of hope.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start to contemplate" when you want to convey the initial stage of a deeper, more thoughtful consideration, rather than just a fleeting thought.

Common error

Avoid using "start to contemplate" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "begin to ponder" or "start considering" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to contemplate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a process of thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used to express the beginning of deep thought about a subject. For instance, "they will start to contemplate very seriously whether in fact returning home is a better option."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start to contemplate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the beginning of a period of thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While relatively infrequent, appearing mostly in News & Media and Science contexts, it effectively conveys a move towards deeper analysis. For more formal settings, alternatives like "begin to reflect on" may be considered. Remember to use "start to contemplate" judiciously to avoid overuse and maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start considering

This is a more direct and simple alternative, focusing on the act of considering something.

start thinking about

This is a very general and common way to express the beginning of a thought process.

begin to ponder

This suggests a more thoughtful and reflective consideration.

begin to reflect on

This emphasizes the act of looking back and thinking deeply about something.

begin to assess

This implies a more analytical and evaluative approach to thinking about something.

start to analyze

This emphasizes a detailed examination of something.

start to deliberate

This indicates a careful and thoughtful consideration, often before making a decision.

start to mull over

This suggests a slow and thoughtful consideration of something over time.

start to weigh up

This emphasizes balancing different options or aspects of something.

start to meditate on

This implies a deep, reflective, and often spiritual consideration of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "start to contemplate" in a sentence?

Use "start to contemplate" to introduce a period of thoughtful consideration. For instance, "After the meeting, I "started to contemplate" the best course of action" indicates you began a deep thinking process after the meeting.

What's a more formal alternative to "start to contemplate"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "begin to reflect on" or "commence to ponder". These options convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of formality.

Is it correct to say "begin to start to contemplate"?

While grammatically understandable, "begin to start to contemplate" is redundant. It's best to simplify it to either "begin to contemplate" or just "start to contemplate" for clarity and conciseness.

What is the difference between "start to contemplate" and "start to consider"?

"Start to contemplate" suggests a more profound and extended period of thought, often involving deeper reflection, whereas "start to consider" implies a more general and initial evaluation or examination of something.