Cool MateCan we think about it vs Contemplate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Can we think about it
Top 2,000 (common)
Contemplate
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
| Can we think about it | Contemplate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kən wi θɪŋk əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //kæn wi θɪŋk əˈbaʊt ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Can we consider this matter? | To think deeply about something. |
| Example | Can we think about it before making a decision? | She likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | think about it seriously, think about it later, think about it deeply | seriously, even, be prepared to, be willing to, cannot, too awful to contemplate, too horrible to contemplate, seriously, even, be prepared to, be willing to, cannot, too awful to contemplate, too horrible to contemplate, seriously, even, be prepared to, be willing to, cannot, too awful to contemplate, too horrible to contemplate |
| Antonyms | - | ignore, disregard, dismiss |
| Common mistakes | Wrongly phrasing it as 'Can we think on it?', Using 'thought' instead of 'think' in present context., 'Can we think about this?' may sound too direct in formal conversations. | Confused with 'compliment' or 'contemplate' due to similar sounds., Using intransitively (e.g., 'I contemplate' without specifying what)., Overusing in informal contexts where simpler words like 'think' may be better. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used to suggest contemplation. Suitable in discussions, but may be too informal for very formal settings. Avoid using in imperative forms. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s appropriate when discussing serious topics or decisions. Avoid using it in lighthearted situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Can we think about it vs Contemplate
What's the difference between Can we think about it and Contemplate?
Can we think about it: Can we consider this matter? Contemplate: To think deeply about something.
Can you show an example of each?
Can we think about it: Can we think about it before making a decision? Contemplate: She likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park.
Can I use Can we think about it and Contemplate interchangeably?
Not always. Can we think about it and Contemplate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.