I wondered vs I was wondering

Both "I wondered" and "I was wondering" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "I wondered" is used to express a past action of wondering, while "I was wondering" is used to express a polite inquiry or a continuous action of wondering in the past.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 385 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a past action of wondering.

"I wondered "

Use "I wondered" to talk about a past moment when you were curious or thinking about something.

Examples:

I wondered why she didn't show up at the party.
He looked at me strangely, and I wondered if I had said something wrong.

Show examples from the web [+]

I wondered what was taking you boys so long.
I wondered where you were, darling.
When Angelica put the gun in her mouth, I wondered...
Yes. I wondered what it was doing there.
I wondered how you'd gotten that.
I wondered why a guy like that was at Division.
I wondered how I could meet her.
I wondered when we'd get to the 'special base'.
I wondered what happened to Poppy.
I wondered whether he was connected with this operation.
I wondered how soon you'd find me.
I wondered, in fact, if he was still alive.
Because I wondered whether you were having doubts about your involvement.
I wondered how she could be so strong with that bony body.
I wondered when that was coming.
I wondered what I had done to deserve you.
I wondered what my sin was.
I wondered which Mr. Luo it was.
I wondered why the midwife had closed the shutters.
I wondered whose car that was.

Alternatives:

I was curious
I pondered
I questioned
I thought about
I considered

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a polite inquiry or a continuous action of wondering in the past.

"I was wondering"

Use "I was wondering" when you want to ask something politely or when you were continuously thinking about something in the past.

Examples:

I was wondering if you could help me with my homework.
I was wondering why he didn't call me back.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was wondering if/whether meaning, definition, what is I was wondering if/whether: used to ask someone politely to help you...: Learn more.
The phrase "I was wondering" can be used in multiple ways, including an introduction to a question. Learn about how to correctly punctuate its use in this ...
Mar 6, 2020 ... and “I was wondering if …”. Leadership experts recommend swapping this passive language for wording that more succinctly cuts to the...
Apr 20, 2010 ... (RFP) for Contract Management Software and Support Services (#10-20). I was wondering if local presence in Houston is mandatory.
Oct 27, 2020 ... The students have warned me of the following, and I was wondering can it be changed? Whenever an assignment is put up on their Google ...
Slottsskogens Hostel, Gothenburg: "Hi, I was wondering how much it would cost to..." | Check out answers, plus 197 reviews and 89 candid photos Ranked #2 of ...
Veterans Day is coming up soon, and I was wondering how long that holiday has been around? By History Specialist – October 31, 2017 –.

Alternatives:

I wanted to ask
I was thinking
I was considering
I was pondering
I was curious about

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany