to be wondered

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "to be wondered" is not correct or standard English and would not be used in written English.
In English, one would use the phrase "to wonder" as an intransitive verb. For example: "Everyone on the beach was marveling at the beautiful sunset, each of them wondering how something so beautiful could exist."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I think that's not even to be wondered at," he said.

The New Yorker

The poisoned knives were not to be wondered at; after all, this was a cadre of professional critics.

The New York Times - Books

This is not to be wondered at, and it might have come back if he had only lived.

The Guardian - Books

"It shows that Jews in Germany are not strange and something to be wondered at," he said, "but that they are normal citizens, wanting to take part in all of society".

The New York Times - Sports

Is there nobody else?'" Five years older, McCoy has been champion jockey six times by this point, so it is not to be wondered at if Walsh feels mildly intimidated.

The Guardian - Sport

It is not to be wondered at, therefore, if in Greenville a group of very simple people, grieving over the cruel slaughter of a beloved friend, felt that they had the right to take vengeance into their own hands.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But he has to be wondering.

The New York Times - Sports

The Australian government seems to be wondering the same thing.

The New York Times

General Powell seemed to be wondering the same thing last week.

The New York Times

The Titans, meanwhile, have to be wondering where to go from here.

The New York Times

They do have to be wondering if this isn't going to happen for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "to be wondered" in formal writing. It's not standard English and can make your writing seem unpolished. Instead, use "to wonder."

Common error

Ensure you are not inadvertently creating a passive construction where an active one is more appropriate. For example, rather than "It is to be wondered if...", try "One might wonder if...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be wondered" functions as a passive infinitive verb phrase, though it is considered non-standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's generally more appropriate to use "to wonder" actively. The provided examples show its usage in varied contexts, though often suggesting a need for rephrasing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "to be wondered" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI explains, it's more appropriate to use the active form "to wonder" or to rephrase the sentence entirely. Its function is typically to express curiosity or speculation, but its non-standard nature makes it less effective in formal writing. Common contexts include News & Media, Wiki and Science, but it's best to opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "to be questioned" or "to be considered" to ensure clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be questioned

Focuses on the act of questioning something, implying uncertainty or doubt.

to be examined

Suggests a more formal and thorough investigation or consideration.

to be considered

Implies a need for thoughtful evaluation or deliberation.

to be doubted

Highlights the aspect of uncertainty or disbelief surrounding something.

to be anticipated

Emphasizes the expectation or prediction of something occurring.

to be expected

Suggests that something is likely to happen or is a common occurrence.

to be envisioned

Focuses on the mental image or concept of something.

to be puzzled over

Implies a state of confusion or bewilderment about something.

to be curious about

Expresses a desire to know more or understand something.

to be inquisitive about

Highlights a proactive and investigative approach to seeking knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use the word "wonder" correctly?

Use "wonder" as an intransitive verb (e.g., "I wonder what will happen") or as a transitive verb (e.g., "I wonder why he did that"). Avoid using the passive construction "to be wondered".

What phrases can I use instead of "to be wondered"?

Consider alternatives such as "to be questioned", "to be considered", or "to be doubted" depending on the context.

Is "to be wondered" grammatically correct?

No, "to be wondered" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use "to wonder" or rephrase the sentence.

When is it appropriate to use the word "wonder"?

Use "wonder" when you want to express curiosity, doubt, or speculation about something. For example, "I wonder where she is" or "I wonder if it will rain tomorrow".