B1verb1K

Wonder

UK /["/ˈwʌndə(r)/","/ˈwʌndəz/","/ˈwʌndəd/","/ˈwʌndərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈwʌndər/","/ˈwʌndərz/","/ˈwʌndərd/","/ˈwʌndərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to think about something and try to decide what is true, what will happen, what you should do, etc.

In simple words: to think about something you are curious about or amazed by

Examples

I wonder what will happen in the next episode of the show.
She wonders if she made the right decision.
Kids often wonder about the world around them.
I wonder how long it will take to finish this project.
They wondered whether it would rain tomorrow.

Usage notes

Used to express curiosity or disbelief. Appropriate for both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in very formal writing or situations.

Grammar pattern

wonder + if/whether + clause

Memory hint

Think of 'wonder' as 'wondering' – imagine Alice wondering in Wonderland.

Collocations

idly
vaguely
briefly
begin to
start to
cannot help but
about
can’t help wondering
keep wondering

Synonyms

ponder
question
speculate
marvel
think

Antonyms

disdain
indifference
disbelief

Common mistakes

Confusing it with 'wondering' which is a different tense.
Using 'wonder' as a noun instead of a verb.
Omitting 'if' or 'whether' after 'wonder'.