we wonder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we wonder" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to express curiosity or speculation about something. Example: We wonder if she will be joining us for dinner tonight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We wonder, we wonder.

The New Yorker

We wonder if it would.

The New Yorker

We wonder how he knows.

The New York Times

What next, we wonder?

The Guardian

And we wonder why.

The New York Times - Health

He wonders, we wonder.

The Guardian - Arts

We wonder what celebrations are in store.

The New York Times

But sometimes we wonder: What happened next?

The New York Times

We wonder at their self-repression.

The New Yorker

We wonder where our childhood has gone.

The New York Times

We wonder who's in charge here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we wonder" to introduce a question or speculation that naturally arises from the context you've established. It's a good way to engage the reader by sharing a thought process.

Common error

While "we wonder" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal academic or professional writing. In such contexts, more direct or analytical phrasing may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we wonder" primarily functions as an introductory expression of curiosity or speculation. It sets the stage for a question or a train of thought, inviting the audience to consider possibilities alongside the speaker. Ludwig confirms that the expression is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we wonder" is a common and grammatically sound way to express curiosity or speculation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is prevalent in News & Media contexts, with limited applications in scientific or formal business settings. While perfectly acceptable, writers should consider the formality of their context and opt for more precise language when appropriate. The expert rating reflects its correctness, authority, and consistent application, though alternatives may sometimes be more suitable. It is worth noting that the AI classifies it as correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we speculate

Replaces 'wonder' with 'speculate', implying a more theoretical consideration of possibilities.

we are curious

Replaces 'wonder' with the direct adjective 'curious', indicating a state of inquisitiveness.

we ponder

Uses 'ponder' to suggest deep and careful thought about something.

we are inquisitive

Uses 'inquisitive', a more formal synonym for 'curious', suggesting a deeper level of investigation.

we find ourselves asking

Emphasizes the act of questioning as a natural outcome of a situation.

we are prompted to ask

Highlights that an external stimulus initiated the questioning.

it makes us think

Shifts the focus to the thinking process initiated by something, rather than direct wondering.

we are led to believe

Suggests a tentative acceptance of an idea, prompting contemplation.

one might ask

Adopts an impersonal tone, inviting consideration from a broader audience.

it begs the question

Highlights an obvious question that arises from a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "we wonder" in a sentence?

"We wonder" is typically used to express curiosity or introduce a question that arises from a particular situation. For example, "After seeing the data, "we wonder" if there's a correlation between the two variables".

What phrases are similar to "we wonder"?

Similar phrases include "we are curious", "we speculate", or "we ponder". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey; 'speculate' suggests a more formal, theoretical consideration.

Is "we wonder" appropriate for academic writing?

While acceptable, using "we wonder" in academic writing should be done judiciously. More formal alternatives like "it is worth considering" or "this raises the question" may be preferred. However, if the aim is to directly engage the reader in a thought process, "we wonder" can be effective.

What's the difference between "we wonder" and "we ask ourselves"?

"We wonder" generally introduces a question or speculation, while "we ask ourselves" emphasizes an internal dialogue or reflection. For example, "Looking at the results, "we wonder" if the methodology was flawed," versus "Faced with this challenge, "we ask ourselves", what's the best course of action?"