contemplate + object
Thinking deeply about something
This is the standard modern pattern.
We contemplated the risks carefully.
Contemplate by, on or in?
Contemplate usually takes a direct object. Contemplate on appears in formal or literary English, while by and in are generally adjuncts.
Quick answer
Natural uses of contemplate
Most often, contemplate is followed directly by an object: contemplate the future. Contemplate on exists in formal style but is less common. By and in usually add manner or place information rather than forming fixed combinations.
She contemplated a career change.
He sat quietly and contemplated on the problem.
They contemplated in silence.
He sat quietly and contemplated on the problem.
They contemplated in silence.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
contemplate on + topic
Formal or literary reflection
On can appear in formal style, though many speakers prefer a direct object.
The essay contemplates on human memory.
contemplate by + method
Adjunct use with by
By usually describes manner or means, not a fixed pattern after contemplate.
He learned to reflect by contemplating nature.
contemplate in + state/place
Adjunct use with in
In often introduces a surrounding state or location.
She sat in contemplation for hours.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
contemplate by
They relaxed by contemplating the sea.
by introduces method or activity, not a direct complement
contemplate on
The book contemplates on mortality.
formal or literary use
contemplate in
He contemplated in silence.
in introduces circumstance or manner
contemplate + object
She contemplated retirement.
most standard modern pattern
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using by as the main complement
Contemplate normally takes a direct object instead.
✕ She contemplated by the proposal. ✓ She contemplated the proposal.Overusing contemplate on
A direct object is usually more natural in everyday English.
✕ I contemplated on my decision all night. ✓ I contemplated my decision all night.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. He contemplated ___ moving abroad.
2. The article contemplates ___ the meaning of freedom.
3. She contemplated in ___ for several minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Is contemplate on incorrect?
No. It exists in formal or literary English, but contemplate something is more common.
Can contemplate be followed by a gerund?
Yes. You can say contemplate moving abroad.
What is a simpler synonym for contemplate?
Think about is the most common everyday alternative.
Related preposition guides
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