started to contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a process of thinking deeply or considering something carefully. Example: "After receiving the news, she started to contemplate her next steps and what they would mean for her future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

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

After the stock market began to stabilize — a move that, in past economic downturns, has often foreshadowed a rebound in business activity — investors started to contemplate the possibility that the economy, though still sluggish, might not be in as much trouble as they had once feared.

The New York Times

So when we started to contemplate what would happen if we had the baby before I graduated, the picture became much clearer.

Science Magazine

Although I managed to be relatively productive and cheerful in this environment, I started to contemplate a dance with the devil--corporate science--around the end of my postdoc in 1999.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Tech

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

The Guardian - TV & Radio

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

"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

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

For adding emphasis, use "began to seriously contemplate" instead of only 'started' to add depth to the intent of the subject of the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "started to contemplate" in situations where simpler alternatives like "started thinking about" or "began to consider" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to contemplate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a thought process. Ludwig's examples reveal it's often used to describe the commencement of considering potential actions, future possibilities, or the implications of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to contemplate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that denotes the beginning of a period of reflection or deep thought. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. While alternatives like "began to consider" or "started thinking about" exist, "started to contemplate" implies a more thoughtful and deliberate process. To avoid overuse, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely require a more elevated or serious tone. Always consider the readability of your content when selecting between "started to contemplate" and its simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to consider

Very similar, but replaces "contemplate" with a more common verb.

began to consider

Emphasizes the commencement of a deliberate thought process.

began to deliberate

Implies a formal and careful consideration, often before making a decision.

initiated reflection on

Highlights the start of a more profound and introspective examination.

commenced pondering

Suggests a more thoughtful and perhaps prolonged period of consideration.

started thinking about

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the beginning of a thought process.

gave thought to

A more concise way of saying one began to think about something.

began musing over

Implies a more casual and perhaps whimsical form of contemplation.

turned one's thoughts to

Indicates a redirection of focus toward a particular subject for consideration.

initiated a review of

Suggests a systematic examination, often of existing information.

FAQs

How can I use "started to contemplate" in a sentence?

You can use "started to contemplate" to indicate the beginning of a period of reflection or deep thought. For example: "After the meeting, she "started to contemplate" the implications of the decision."

What are some alternatives to "started to contemplate"?

Alternatives include "began to consider", "started thinking about", or "began musing over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "started to contemplate" formal or informal?

"Started to contemplate" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives, such as "initiated reflection on", might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

When is it better to use "started thinking about" instead of "started to contemplate"?

"Started thinking about" is more appropriate for everyday situations or when the thought process is not particularly deep or complex. "Started to contemplate" is better suited for describing a more serious or thoughtful consideration.