to contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of thinking deeply or considering something thoughtfully. Example: "She took a moment to contemplate the implications of her decision before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's too sickening to contemplate.

The New York Times

I paused to contemplate this.

The New Yorker

It's too awful to contemplate".

The Guardian

48 hours to contemplate.

The New York Times

Too painful to contemplate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's dreadful to contemplate.

The New Yorker

It's hard to contemplate.

The Guardian - Sport

Too terrifying to contemplate.

The Guardian

Not with so many possibilities to contemplate.

The New York Times - Sports

That makes failure difficult to contemplate.

The Economist

Before long, he began to contemplate death.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject that requires extensive thought, use phrases like "to contemplate the implications" or "to contemplate the consequences" to emphasize the depth of consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "to contemplate" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "to think about" or "to consider" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to contemplate" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to indicate the act of thinking deeply about something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from pondering possibilities to reflecting on abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to contemplate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that conveys the act of thinking deeply and thoroughly about something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the numerous examples show its prevalent use in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts requiring a formal or neutral tone, as overusing it in simple conversation could sound unnatural. Consider alternatives like "to ponder", "to reflect upon", or "to consider carefully" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. As Ludwig's analysis shows, understanding the nuances of "to contemplate" ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to consider carefully

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail in one's thinking.

to ponder over

Suggests a more prolonged and careful consideration of something.

to deliberate about

Focuses on weighing different options before making a decision.

to reflect upon

Slightly more formal and introspective, emphasizing deeper thought.

to mull over

Suggests turning something over in one's mind repeatedly.

to meditate on

Implies a spiritual or deeply personal form of contemplation.

to ruminate on

Implies a deep and often anxious consideration of something.

to give thought to

A more common and less formal way of saying "to contemplate".

to think about

More general and less intense, suitable for everyday considerations.

to chew over

Suggests a casual and thorough consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "to contemplate" when you want to express deep thought or consideration, as in "She paused "to contemplate the meaning of life"" or "He needed time "to contemplate his next move"".

What are some synonyms for "to contemplate"?

Synonyms for "to contemplate" include "to ponder", "to reflect on", "to meditate", and "to consider". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it more appropriate to use "to consider" instead of "to contemplate"?

"To consider" is more appropriate in everyday contexts or when simply weighing options, while "to contemplate" is better suited for deeper, more prolonged thought. For example, "I need "to consider the options"" versus "She sat quietly "to contemplate the universe"".

Is "to contemplate" formal or informal?

"To contemplate" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "to think about" or "to consider". It's suitable for academic writing, formal presentations, and situations where you want to convey a sense of seriousness and depth.