we wondered

USAGE SUMMARY

"we wondered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express uncertainty or curiosity about something. For example: We wondered what new adventures the summer would bring.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's it, we wondered?

The New York Times

We wondered why.

The New York Times

"We wondered what had happened".

The New York Times

Why, we wondered.

The New York Times

"We wondered: Who is Lenovo?

The New York Times

Should we go on playing, we wondered.

The New Yorker

We wondered if that was true.

The New York Times - Science

"Of course, we wondered," one told me.

The New Yorker

We wondered if finally this was it.

Independent

"We wondered for five years".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Are we that we? we wondered.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we wondered" to introduce a question or express curiosity about a situation or outcome. It's particularly effective in narratives or analyses where you want to convey a sense of shared contemplation or uncertainty.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "we wondered" can make writing sound less assertive. In formal or scientific contexts, consider alternatives like "we investigated" or "we sought to understand" to maintain a more authoritative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we wondered" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase, expressing a state of curiosity or contemplation. It sets the stage for a question or exploration, indicating a lack of certainty. According to Ludwig, this phrase is indeed grammatically correct and very common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we wondered" is a versatile phrase used to express curiosity, contemplation, or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While suitable for general use, consider more assertive alternatives in formal writing to maintain an authoritative tone. Remember, the phrase's strength lies in its ability to invite exploration and set the stage for further inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we asked ourselves

Emphasizes the internal dialogue and reflection involved in the wondering.

we were curious

Directly expresses the state of being inquisitive or interested in something.

we questioned

Focuses more on the act of asking oneself, implying a more active form of wondering.

we were puzzled

Emphasizes confusion or a lack of understanding.

we inquired

Suggests a more formal or direct investigation into something.

we speculated

Implies forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

it made us think

Highlights the reflective process initiated by something.

we considered

Highlights the act of thinking carefully about something, often with multiple perspectives.

we started to think

Emphasizes the initial stage of contemplation about something.

we mused

Suggests a quiet, thoughtful reflection or pondering.

FAQs

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

You can use "we wondered" to express curiosity or contemplation about something, like in the sentence, "We wondered what the outcome of the experiment would be."

What are some alternatives to using "we wondered"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "we wondered" with alternatives such as "we questioned", "we inquired", or "we were curious".

Is it appropriate to use "we wondered" in academic writing?

Yes, "we wondered" can be used in academic writing to introduce a research question or to express the motivation behind a study. However, ensure the tone remains objective and professional.

How does "we wondered" differ from "we assumed"?

"We wondered" expresses a state of curiosity or uncertainty, while "we assumed" indicates a belief taken for granted without proof. The former invites exploration, while the latter suggests a starting point based on prior knowledge or expectations.