start to wonder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to wonder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the beginning of a feeling of curiosity or doubt about something. Example: "As I listened to the lecture, I started to wonder if I had chosen the right career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You start to wonder.

The New York Times

However, every Christmas, I start to wonder.

Independent

Suddenly you start to wonder.

The Guardian - Sport

You really start to wonder, though.

The New York Times

I start to wonder, What's wrong with me?

The New Yorker

"If you don't tell, people start to wonder," he said.

The New Yorker

And I start to wonder: Is everybody dumbing down?

The New York Times - Arts

But look a little closer and you start to wonder.

The Economist

You start to wonder what's so special about British art.

The Guardian

You start to wonder: why suffer this at all?

The Guardian - Books

I start to wonder whether I flunked the test.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "start to wonder" with descriptive details to create a vivid sense of intrigue for the reader. Describing what triggers the wondering enhances the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "start to wonder" for generating suspense. Too much internal speculation without external action can slow down the pace of your writing. Balance it with concrete observations and developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to wonder" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a mental process. As evidenced by Ludwig, it expresses the beginning of speculation, doubt, or curiosity. This phrase sets the stage for further thought or investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start to wonder" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signals the onset of curiosity, doubt, or contemplation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Its usage is particularly frequent in News & Media, reflecting its role in introducing speculation or questioning within a narrative. While alternatives like "begin to question" or "begin to doubt" exist, "start to wonder" offers a balanced and neutral tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of over-reliance and ensure it effectively contributes to the overall pacing and intrigue of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to question

Focuses more on active questioning than general wondering.

begin to doubt

Emphasizes a lack of certainty or trust.

start questioning

Directly implies the initiation of a questioning process.

begin to suspect

Suggests a negative or distrustful feeling.

begin to contemplate

Implies deeper and more prolonged thought.

start to speculate

Indicates forming theories without firm evidence.

find oneself wondering

Describes a more passive and reflective state of mind.

find oneself asking

Highlights the posing of questions to oneself or others.

become curious

Focuses on the development of curiosity.

become doubtful

Emphasizes the emergence of doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "start to wonder" in a sentence?

"Start to wonder" is used to express the beginning of a feeling of curiosity or doubt. For example, "After hearing the rumors, I "start to wonder" if what they say is true."

What can I say instead of "start to wonder"?

You can use alternatives like "begin to question", "begin to doubt", or "start questioning" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start to wondering"?

No, "start to wondering" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is ""start to wonder"", where "wonder" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "start to wonder" and "begin to wonder"?

Both phrases are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Begin to wonder" might suggest a slightly more formal tone, but the difference is minimal.