was contemplating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was contemplating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a past action of thinking deeply or considering something carefully. Example: "She was contemplating her next move in the chess game, weighing the possible outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He said he was contemplating legal action.

The New York Times

Maybe I was contemplating the sky.

The New Yorker

Cook was contemplating easy ad cash.

The Guardian

Now I was contemplating an abortion myself.

The New York Times

"She was contemplating suicide, because she had no hope.

The Guardian

He gave no indication that Wallace was contemplating retirement.

The New York Times

Crosby said he was contemplating playing in Europe.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd quit uni and was contemplating suicide daily.

The Guardian

Puyol was contemplating a future away from the club.

The Guardian - Sport

It looked like he was contemplating getting in a rundown.

The New York Times - Sports

At 3 30 P.M., Olga was contemplating leaving.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For emphasis, follow "was contemplating" with a gerund (verb + -ing) to clearly indicate the specific action being considered; for example, "He was contemplating moving to a new city."

Common error

Avoid using "was contemplating" when describing habitual actions or general truths. This phrase implies a specific, past instance of considering something. Instead of saying "He was contemplating the meaning of life", which sounds awkward, use "He contemplates the meaning of life" if it's a regular activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was contemplating" functions as a past continuous verb phrase, indicating a prolonged period of thoughtful consideration or deliberation. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing past intentions, possible actions, and reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was contemplating" is a versatile and commonly used phrase indicating a past state of thoughtful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. To effectively use "was contemplating", focus on conveying a sense of deliberation or weighing options. Remember to use this phrase to describe a past action of deep thinking or careful consideration, but avoid using it for habitual actions or general truths, which can lead to awkward phrasing. Considering alternatives like "was considering" or "was thinking about" can add nuance to your writing. Therefore, understanding these nuances will enhance your ability to use "was contemplating" effectively in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was considering

Focuses more on the act of weighing options.

was thinking about

A more general term for having something in mind.

was pondering

Implies a deeper and more reflective consideration.

was reflecting on

Suggests a review of past events or experiences.

was weighing up

Highlights the process of balancing different factors.

was mulling over

Indicates a slow and thoughtful consideration.

was meditating on

Suggests a more spiritual or philosophical consideration.

was giving thought to

A more formal way of saying "was thinking about".

was envisioning

Focuses on creating a mental picture of a future possibility.

had in mind

Indicates a plan or intention that is being considered.

FAQs

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

Use "was contemplating" when describing a past action of thinking deeply or considering something carefully. For example, "She was contemplating her next move in the chess game, weighing the possible outcomes."

What can I say instead of "was contemplating"?

You can use alternatives such as "was considering", "was thinking about", or "was pondering" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is contemplating" instead of "was contemplating"?

The choice between "is contemplating" and "was contemplating" depends on the time frame. Use "is contemplating" for actions happening now, and "was contemplating" for actions that happened in the past.

What's the difference between "was contemplating" and "was planning"?

"Was contemplating" implies thinking about something as a possibility, while "was planning" suggests a decision has been made and steps are being taken to execute it.