Contemplated: The Right Verb Form for Your Plans

The sentence "I contemplated________Singapore for my vacation but decided against it" requires the most appropriate word to complete it, focusing on correct English grammar, specifically verb forms.

The key to solving this question lies in understanding which grammatical form appropriately follows the verb "contemplate".

Understanding Verb Patterns with 'Contemplate'

The verb "contemplate" means to think deeply about something or to consider a possible future action. When "contemplate" is followed by another verb indicating an action, that verb should generally be in the gerund form (the -ing form of the verb).

• Gerunds: A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. For example, "running," "reading," "visiting."
• Infinitive: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by "to" (e.g., "to run," "to read," "to visit").

Many verbs in English are followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but "contemplate" is one of those verbs that typically takes a gerund.

Evaluating Options: Why 'Visiting' is Correct

Let's examine each option provided to determine its grammatical correctness and suitability in the given sentence:

• Option 1: to visit This makes the sentence "I contemplated to visit Singapore." This construction is grammatically incorrect. The verb "contemplate" is not typically followed by an infinitive.
• Option 2: having to visit Using "having to visit" results in "I contemplated having to visit Singapore." While "having" is a gerund, the phrase "having to visit" implies an obligation or necessity. This changes the meaning of the original sentence, which implies a consideration or thought, not a necessary action.
• Option 3: visiting Inserting "visiting" makes the sentence "I contemplated visiting Singapore." This is grammatically correct and perfectly conveys the intended meaning – that the person considered the action of visiting Singapore. "Visiting" is the gerund form of the verb "visit," and "contemplate" is indeed followed by a gerund.
• Option 4: for a visit If we use "for a visit," the sentence reads "I contemplated for a visit Singapore." This phrasing is awkward and ungrammatical in this context. While one might say "I contemplated a visit to Singapore," the phrase "for a visit" does not fit directly after "contemplated" in this sentence structure.

Grammar Rule for 'Contemplate' Explained

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate and grammatically correct word to complete the sentence is "visiting." The general rule is that verbs like "contemplate," "consider," "suggest," "recommend," "enjoy," and "finish," are often followed by a gerund (verb-ing) when referring to an action or activity.

Therefore, the complete sentence reads: "I contemplated visiting Singapore for my vacation but decided against it."