contemplated

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1
  1. I contemplated leaving school and taking a full-time job.
  2. I meditated leaving school and taking a full-time job.
  3. I considered leaving school and taking a full-time job.
  4. I pondered leaving school and taking a full-time job.
    Are all fine?
    Do they mean the same?
2
  1. I meditated upon/about leaving …

They mean the same.

3

Beeesneees, from this sentence can I come to the conclusion that the verb ‘ponder’ is always followed by the gerund?

 Thanks
4

It isn’t always followed by a gerund at all.

I pondered over the possibilities,
or even
I pondered the possibilities.

5

Hello Beeesneees,

I admit I put a question wrongly. (Second edition of my query):    :-)

Can I conclude that the verb ponder is followed by the gerund form in contrary to the infinitive one when one has to use a verb after it?

Or can I say I pondered to leave…

6

You would have to use ‘whether’ in between:
I pondered whether to leave immediately, or wait to see what happened next.