English Reference

Word

wondering

Phoneticswon·der·ing

US/ˈwəndɝɪŋ/

UK/wˈʌndəɹɪŋ/

Definitions

01thinking with curiosity

B1

v. thinking about something because you want to know more or are curious.

v. the present participle of 'wonder', expressing the mental state of curiosity or speculation about a fact or event.

“I was wondering why the shop was closed so early today.”

“She sat by the window for hours, wondering whether her decision to move abroad would ultimately lead to the career growth she desired.”

Usage

Often followed by 'if', 'whether', or 'wh-' clauses.

Pitfall

I am wondering if can you help me.

I am wondering if you can help me.

In indirect questions starting with 'I am wondering if...', use statement word order (subject + verb) rather than question word order.

Antonyms

02polite request

B1

v. a very polite way to ask someone for help or information.

v. used in the progressive aspect to frame a request or inquiry with increased social distance and politeness.

“I was wondering if you could help me carry these bags.”

“I was wondering if you might have a moment to review the draft before the final submission this afternoon.”

Usage

Typically used in the past continuous ('I was wondering') to sound more indirect and polite.

Synonyms

03the act of questioning

B2

n. the feeling or act of being curious about something.

n. the gerund form used as a noun to describe the internal process of speculation or doubt.

“After much wondering, he finally decided to ask for the truth.”

“There was a great deal of wondering among the staff regarding the sudden departure of the chief executive.”

Antonyms

04showing curiosity

C1

adj. showing that you are curious or thinking deeply about something.

adj. describing a look, tone, or attitude that conveys curiosity or a desire for explanation.

“She gave him a wondering look when he told the strange story.”

“He turned toward her with a wondering expression, as if seeing the familiar landscape for the first time through new eyes.”

Literary

Antonyms

Collocations

wondering too

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Common
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/wondering

English Reference