started to wonder

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to wonder" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase that is often used to indicate that someone is beginning to ponder or contemplate a particular event or circumstance. For example, "Sarah started to wonder if she would ever find true love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We started to wonder," he said.

The New York Times

I started to wonder why that was.

The Guardian - Tech

And then I started to wonder.

The Guardian

And recently I've started to wonder why.

The Guardian

"But I started to wonder what good it served".

The New York Times - Magazine

I started to wonder whether my host family was right.

Princeton University

I just started to wonder about the math.

The Washington Post

I really started to wonder, what is going on here?

The Guardian - Tech

I started to wonder about what I might do next.

The Guardian - Sport

But, I started to wonder, was it true?

The Guardian - Books

I started to wonder: Will this get called off?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to wonder" to introduce a shift in thought or a newly emerging question in your narrative. It effectively signals the beginning of an internal exploration or contemplation.

Common error

Avoid using "started to wonder" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous. Consider alternatives like "began to consider" or "became curious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to wonder" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the beginning of a state of contemplation or questioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely accepted phrase, particularly when initiating a new thought process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to wonder" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of a thought process or contemplation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. When employing this phrase, be mindful of overusing it and consider alternatives like "began to question" or "became curious" for variation. Remember, effective communication is about clarity and engagement, and choosing the right words can significantly enhance your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I got to wondering

More colloquial phrasing, emphasizing a gradual process of questioning.

started thinking about

A more general term for initiating a line of thought.

I began to ask myself

Highlights internal dialogue and reflection.

began to question

Emphasizes the initiation of doubt or skepticism.

became curious

Focuses on the feeling of inquisitiveness.

began to contemplate

Highlights a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

began to speculate

Suggests forming theories or conjectures without firm evidence.

the thought crossed my mind

Indicates a fleeting or initial consideration.

began to surmise

Implies a guess or inference based on limited information.

it occurred to me

Indicates a sudden realization or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to wonder" to introduce a new line of thought or question. For example, "After the meeting, I "started to wonder" if I had made the right decision".

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

You can use alternatives like "began to question", "began to contemplate", or "became curious" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "started to wonder" in formal writing?

Yes, "started to wonder" is generally appropriate in both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives such as "began to consider" or "began to contemplate".

What's the difference between "started to wonder" and "began to suspect"?

"Started to wonder" implies a general curiosity or contemplation, while "began to suspect" suggests a developing feeling of distrust or belief that something is wrong.