I wonder this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wonder this" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to express curiosity or contemplation about a specific topic, but it requires additional context to be complete. Example: "I wonder this: what would happen if we could travel back in time?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I wonder this because a battlefield, while never comfortable, is still in so many ways his comfort zone.

The New York Times

As the maddeningly incomprehensible announcements crackle over the public address system, I wonder this: What if we have another large-scale emergency?

The New York Times

Where does it come from, I wonder, this characteristically female blending of food with emotion; its transmogrification into reward or treat or punishment?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I wonder this in particular because as vulnerable as your husband, or by extension you, might feel to the punishing effects of gossip, surely your children are more vulnerable.

The New York Times - Magazine

After being bowled over by the boldface names -- Apple's Steve Wozniak, Google's Sergey Brin, earth-conscious artistes from Natalie Portman to Bill Maher -- I wonder this: can't these people afford a nicer car?

The New York Times

"(I wonder this every single time the auto-refresh problem gets mentioned)." Because sometimes it's easier to let you know a goal has been scored, give the minimum detail and then add more once we've seen the replays.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I wondered this aloud to Chris Wetherell one day in 2004, an engineer on the Blogger team.

TechCrunch

We are such open spirits when we're new...when our words are new and the world is new to our new grandparents who see their own children anew with each and every 'Hi!' What is it, I wonder -- this wonderful oneness with all -- and where, oh where does it go?" Zoe Vaughn, grandmother of two grandchildren.

Huffington Post

I think this depresses me and I wonder what this entirely means".

BMC Health Services Research

I wonder about this.

The Guardian - Books

I wonder whether this is actually possible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rephrase your sentence to include a question or statement that clarifies what you are wondering. For example, instead of saying "I wonder this", say "I wonder if this is true" or "I am curious about this because..."

Common error

Avoid using "I wonder this" without completing the thought. This phrase is grammatically incorrect. Always specify what you are wondering about to make the statement clear and grammatically sound. For example, replace it with "I wonder about this issue" or "I wonder whether this will work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wonder this" functions as an expression of curiosity or contemplation. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI highlights that additional context is required to complete the thought, suggesting it needs to be rephrased for clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I wonder this" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI advises that it is grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It is more appropriate to use alternative phrases like "I wonder about this" or specify the object of your curiosity with a direct question. Given the grammatical issues and varying source types, its register ranges from neutral to informal. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify your meaning. Pay special attention to avoid making similar grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I ponder this

Replaces "wonder" with "ponder", indicating a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

I question this

Uses "question" instead of "wonder", implying a direct inquiry or doubt about something.

I speculate about this

Employs "speculate" to suggest forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

I ask myself this

Highlights the internal nature of the questioning, focusing on self-reflection.

I'm curious about this

Expresses direct curiosity, replacing the reflective "wonder" with a statement of interest.

I've been wondering about this

Adds a sense of duration, indicating that the wondering has been ongoing.

This makes me wonder

Shifts the focus to the subject causing the wonder, rather than the act of wondering itself.

I find myself wondering about this

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the wondering, suggesting it happens without conscious effort.

I'm thinking about this

Replaces "wondering" with a more general "thinking", indicating a broader consideration.

I am prompted to wonder about this

Adds a layer of external influence prompting the act of wondering.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "I wonder" in a sentence?

The phrase "I wonder" should be followed by a question word (who, what, when, where, why, how) or "if/whether" to introduce the subject of your curiosity. For instance, you can say "I wonder what will happen next" or "I wonder if it will rain today".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I wonder this"?

No, "I wonder this" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to rephrase it to specify the object of your curiosity, such as "I wonder about this" or ask a direct question starting with "I wonder...".

What can I say instead of "I wonder this"?

Alternatives to "I wonder this" include phrases like "I ask myself this", "I ponder this", or "I'm curious about this". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How can I make my sentences with "I wonder" clearer?

Ensure your sentence clearly states what you are curious about. Instead of a vague statement, use a specific question or a phrase that clarifies your contemplation, such as "I wonder why this happened" or "I wonder whether this is the right approach".