were contemplated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were contemplated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, plans, or actions that were considered or thought about in the past. Example: "Several strategies were contemplated before deciding on the final approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

He added that no layoffs were contemplated.

The New York Times

The determination of total phenol and flavonoid substance were contemplated.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

No criminal charges were contemplated, the police said.

The New York Times

Two options were contemplated, based on NaI(Tl) and LaBr3 Ce inorganic scintillation crystals respectively.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

He declined to specify what the other 10 points were or what sanctions were contemplated.

The New York Times - Tech

The zodiac and moon's relationships to gardening, husbandry, and human health were contemplated as science in early America.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"You were contemplating your navel".

The Guardian - Books

that the Davidians were contemplating mass suicide.

The New Yorker

This is not something we were contemplating.

Forbes

"Space is something to be contemplated".

The New York Times

A tenfold increase is contemplated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were contemplated" when you want to emphasize that something was considered as a possibility, especially in a formal or reflective context. It's suitable when discussing plans, options, or potential actions.

Common error

Avoid using "were contemplated" in active voice constructions. The phrase is inherently passive, so using it actively can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example, instead of "They were contemplated the changes", use "The changes were contemplated by them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were contemplated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes an action (contemplation) performed on a subject, indicating that the subject was the object of consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this passive construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

45%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were contemplated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb construction, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies that certain ideas, plans, or actions have been considered. Its use is particularly common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "were considered" or "were planned" exist, "were contemplated" often implies a more thorough and reflective consideration. When using this phrase, ensure it remains in passive voice to avoid grammatical errors. The authoritative sources and high usage frequency solidify its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were considered

Replaces 'contemplated' with a more general term for thinking about something.

were envisioned

Suggests a mental image or future plan was formed.

were planned

Focuses on the aspect of having a detailed scheme or method.

were intended

Emphasizes the purpose or goal behind the consideration.

were under consideration

Highlights the ongoing process of thinking something through.

were being thought about

Uses a more informal and direct way of expressing consideration.

were being weighed

Implies a careful assessment of options and their potential impact.

were being explored

Focuses on the investigative aspect of considering different options.

were in the cards

Suggests possibilities or options existed.

were on the table

Highlights that possibilities were proposed for discussion.

FAQs

How to use "were contemplated" in a sentence?

Use "were contemplated" to indicate that something was considered or thought about as a possibility. For instance, "Several solutions "were contemplated" before choosing the best approach".

What's the difference between "were contemplated" and "were considered"?

"Were contemplated" suggests a deeper, more thoughtful consideration than "were considered". Contemplation implies a more prolonged period of reflection and analysis.

What can I say instead of "were contemplated"?

You can use alternatives like "were considered", "were envisioned", or "were planned", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "changes were contemplated"?

Yes, "changes were contemplated" is grammatically correct. It indicates that changes were considered as a possibility or potential action.