was being contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of considering or thinking about something in the past. Example: "The proposal for the new project was being contemplated by the board members during their last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

(Museum officials denied that a name change was being contemplated).

The New York Times

Until recently, peace was being contemplated in Ivory Coast.

The New York Times

Although the Kapp situation is entirely different, Cook indicated that legal action was being contemplated.

The New York Times

"And when this first started, people who knew who he was were quite alarmed that this was being contemplated".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. O'Looney said that no disciplinary action was being contemplated against those responsible for developing the practice.

The New York Times

Smith should have found out what was being contemplated by the police and then intervened to stop it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Longer school days are being contemplated, she said.

The New York Times

More workshops are scheduled, and more commissions are being contemplated.

The New York Times - Arts

Scarves are being contemplated, and then, who knows?

The New York Times - Style

"I can't even believe this is being contemplated.

The New York Times

It is particularly useful for new areas where development is being contemplated.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A-B-C

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being contemplated" when you want to emphasize that something was under consideration over a period of time, but not necessarily finalized.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice in your writing. While "was being contemplated" is grammatically correct, active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being contemplated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something was in the process of being considered or thought about. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was being contemplated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes something being considered or planned in the past. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "was being contemplated", remember that it emphasizes the process of consideration rather than a completed action. Alternatives like "was under consideration" or "was being considered" can be used for variety, but "was being contemplated" is a clear and effective choice for conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was under consideration

Replaces the verb "contemplated" with a more general term, focusing on the state of being considered.

was being considered

Similar to "was under consideration" but uses a more active voice.

was being planned

Emphasizes the planning aspect rather than the general consideration.

was being envisioned

Focuses on the mental image or concept being formed.

was being weighed

Suggests a careful evaluation of options and potential outcomes.

was being assessed

Focuses on the formal process of evaluating something.

was in the works

More informal, suggesting that something is in progress or development.

was being developed

Highlights the development stage of a plan or idea.

was being designed

Focuses on the design phase of a project or concept.

was on the table

Indicates that something is up for discussion or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "was being contemplated" in a sentence?

You can use "was being contemplated" to describe a plan, idea, or action that someone was considering. For example, "A name change "was being contemplated" for the museum."

What are some alternatives to "was being contemplated"?

Alternatives include "was under consideration", "was being considered", or "was being planned". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "contemplate"?

While the passive voice ("was being contemplated") is grammatically correct, the active voice (e.g., "The board contemplated the proposal") can sometimes be more direct and impactful. Choose the voice that best suits the tone and clarity of your writing.

What's the difference between "was being contemplated" and "is being contemplated"?

"Was being contemplated" refers to a past action or consideration, while "is being contemplated" refers to a current action or consideration. The tense indicates when the contemplation occurred or is occurring.