I wondered at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wondered at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing curiosity or amazement about something. Example: "I wondered at the beauty of the sunset as it painted the sky in vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

After having these thoughts, I wondered at how fortunate I was to be accepted by such as a wonderful place.

The Economist

I wondered at the divide.

The New Yorker

I wondered at that.

The New Yorker

I wondered at the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wondered at its absurdity.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wondered at first look, "Is it a bootie?

The New York Times

I wondered at one point what was I going to do".

The New York Times

"I wondered at the time if T. J. Watson was interested in running for President," he told me.

The New Yorker

As I looked on, it did this many times, and I wondered at it, and was terrified.

The New Yorker

I wondered at the bonds of the heart, the bones of forefathers and the beauty of the world.

The New York Times

I wondered at the blacks swimming in a filthy harbor when whites-only sand stretched for miles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I wondered at" to express a sense of amazement, curiosity, or mild surprise about something you observed or experienced. It adds a touch of introspection to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I wondered about" when "I wondered at" is more appropriate. "Wonder at" often implies a sense of awe or surprise, while "wonder about" suggests general curiosity or uncertainty. "I wondered at her bravery" not "I wondered about her bravery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wondered at" functions as an introspective expression, conveying a sense of amazement, curiosity, or contemplation. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing reactions to various observations and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wondered at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a feeling of amazement, curiosity, or contemplation about something observed or experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it provides a neutral register, suitable for reflective writing. Remember to use "I wondered at" when you wish to express a sense of awe or surprise, rather than general curiosity, and consider alternatives like "I marveled at" or "I was amazed by" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I marveled at

Replaces "wondered" with "marveled", emphasizing a feeling of awe and admiration.

I was amazed by

Uses a passive construction with "amazed" to highlight the feeling of surprise and wonder.

I was struck by

Emphasizes the impact or impression something had on the speaker.

I couldn't help but wonder about

Expresses a sense of involuntary curiosity and contemplation.

I found myself pondering

Highlights the act of thoughtful consideration and reflection.

I questioned

Focuses on the act of doubting or inquiring about something.

It made me question

Attributes the act of questioning to an external cause or stimulus.

I considered

Indicates a process of careful thought and evaluation.

I reflected on

Implies a deep and thoughtful consideration of a past event or idea.

I contemplated

Suggests a prolonged and deliberate act of thinking about something.

FAQs

How can I use "I wondered at" in a sentence?

"I wondered at" is used to express amazement or curiosity. For example, "I wondered at the skill of the artist" or "I wondered at the complexity of the design".

What can I say instead of "I wondered at"?

You can use alternatives like "I marveled at", "I was amazed by", or "I was struck by" depending on the context.

Is "I wondered at" formal or informal?

"I wondered at" leans towards a neutral register, suitable for news, articles and reflective writing. While not highly formal, it provides a slightly more literary tone than simple curiosity.

Is there a difference between "I wondered about" and "I wondered at"?

Yes, "I wondered about" implies general curiosity, while "I wondered at" indicates amazement or surprise. Use "I wondered at" when you're expressing a sense of awe. For example, "I wondered at her accomplishments" expresses more admiration than "I wondered about her accomplishments."