we could contemplate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could contemplate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting the act of thinking about or considering something thoughtfully. Example: "In light of recent events, we could contemplate the implications of our decisions moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We could contemplate it, there would be certain advantages.

The Guardian

If we are totally dissatisfied we could contemplate an F1 exit," Red Bull's Marko said.

Independent

Before we could contemplate what that might mean, there was a massive explosion.

The New York Times

Plato maintained in his Meno and in his Phaedo that the learning of geometrical truths was only the recollection of knowledge possessed in a previous existence when we could contemplate the eternal ideas, or forms, directly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Life outside would be perfectly tolerable, we could contemplate it, there would be certain advantages".

BBC

We had to sit down so we could contemplate just how much fun we were having.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"The director filmed everyone answering the question: 'But what if you don't make it?' Nobody could contemplate failure, but we'd already been around for five years and had played gigs, going on after comedians.

The Guardian - Music

"Ah, it is no surprise that you weep for Narcissus," they said, "for though we always pursued him in the forest, you alone could contemplate his beauty close at hand".

Huffington Post

When I asked a high-ranking Dutch official if he could contemplate the Netherlands ever leaving the euro, the answer was: "Never — we are making too much money from it".

The New York Times

No country could contemplate the failure of such an institution".

The Guardian - Business

No Indian or Chinese government could contemplate the possibility with equanimity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "contemplate" implies a more in-depth consideration than simply "thinking about" something. Choose this phrase when the context requires a level of seriousness and attention.

Common error

While "contemplate" is a valid word, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. In these scenarios, consider using simpler alternatives like "think about" or "consider" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could contemplate" functions as a means of suggesting a potential action or consideration. It presents a possibility that warrants thoughtful attention, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could contemplate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to suggest thoughtful consideration of a possibility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English, but its frequency is uncommon, with primary contexts including news, media, and scientific writing. When a more formal tone is acceptable, this phrase is a great way to introduce an option for discussion, although alternatives such as "we might consider" or "we can reflect on" are readily available. The key is to avoid overuse in informal contexts, where simpler terms may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might consider

Replaces "could" with "might", softening the suggestion while retaining the idea of considering something.

we may ponder

Substitutes "contemplate" with "ponder", emphasizing a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

we can reflect on

Replaces "contemplate" with "reflect on", suggesting a backward-looking consideration of something.

we might deliberate over

Uses "deliberate over" instead of "contemplate", implying a more formal and thorough discussion.

we can mull over

Employs "mull over" as a more informal substitute for "contemplate", indicating a casual consideration.

we may give thought to

Replaces the single verb with a verbal phrase, making the sentence more formal and slightly longer.

we should consider

Changes "could" to "should", making the consideration a recommendation instead of a possibility.

we can think about

Offers a more general alternative, replacing "contemplate" with the simpler "think about".

we might entertain the idea of

Adds a sense of amusement or willingness to the act of consideration.

we are able to envision

Focuses on the ability to imagine or foresee something, rather than simply considering it.

FAQs

How do you use "we could contemplate" in a sentence?

Use "we could contemplate" when suggesting a thoughtful consideration of a particular possibility or action. For example: "Given the circumstances, "we could contemplate" relocating our headquarters."

What can I say instead of "we could contemplate"?

You can use alternatives such as "we might consider", "we can reflect on", or "we should consider" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "we could contemplate" or "we should contemplate"?

"We could contemplate" suggests a possibility for consideration, while "we should contemplate" implies a recommendation or obligation to consider something. The choice depends on whether you are suggesting or recommending.

What's the difference between "we could contemplate" and "we can think about"?

"We could contemplate" suggests a more in-depth, thoughtful consideration, while "we can think about" is a more general and less formal way of expressing consideration.