[Grammar] "Wonder" and "Wondered"

[Williamyh]

Hi Teachers,

I'd like to know how to use "Wondered" properly, as most of dictionaries only show "wonder" (verb) without "ed", but sometimes I watch the movies/TV shows with subtitles, they will use "wondered"...please tell how I can use "wondered" correctly? Thanks.

W

 

[sarat_106]

Hi Teachers,

I'd like to know how to use "Wondered" properly, as most of dictionaries only show "wonder" (verb) without "ed", but sometimes I watch the movies/TV shows with subtitles, they will use "wondered"...please tell how I can use "wondered" correctly? Thanks.

W

Yes it is a verb and ‘wondered’ is its past form. The common use of past form, is to express a feeling of curiosity or doubt about something; as:

Have you ever wondered what your subconscious mind looks like?
Have you ever wondered why young people take to music like fish to water?
I just wondered how to spend time in a secluded place alone for hours.
I wondered how people would take me being a country music singer.

 

[Williamyh]

Yes it is a verb and ‘wondered’ is its past form. The common use of past form, is to express a feeling of curiosity or doubt about something; as:

Have you ever wondered what your subconscious mind looks like?
Have you ever wondered why young people take to music like fish to water?
I just wondered how to spend time in a secluded place alone for hours.
I wondered how people would take me being a country music singer.

How do you explain the following sentences, the verb of "wonder" wouldn't change to past form?

e.g. I wonder if you could do me a favor.

e.g. I was wondering if you could give me some water.


Can I say that "I wondered if you could do me a favor."??

 

[tedtmc]

"I wondered if you could do me a favor"??

This is correct but sounds unnatural. It is not meant to be a question. It is usually followed by a question.

I was wondering if you can do me a favour.

This sounds better and more polite.

not a teacher

 

[Raymott]

Hi Teachers,

I'd like to know how to use "Wondered" properly, as most of dictionaries only show "wonder" (verb) without "ed", but sometimes I watch the movies/TV shows with subtitles, they will use "wondered"...please tell how I can use "wondered" correctly? Thanks.

W

Dictionaries typically don't give definitions for past tenses or past participles where the meaning is obvious from the base verb. What you're asking is a question of grammar.

"Wonder" is not special. There are other verbs which can be used this way.

I think/hope you can help me.
I thought/hoped you might be able to help me.
I was thinking/hoping you might be able to help me.

You might be able to think of other verbs that work this way.

 

[Williamyh]

Dictionaries typically don't give definitions for past tenses or past participles where the meaning is obvious from the base verb. What you're asking is a question of grammar.

"Wonder" is not special. There are other verbs which can be used this way.

I think/hope you can help me.
I thought/hoped you might be able to help me.
I was thinking/hoping you might be able to help me.

You might be able to think of other verbs that work this way.

Hi Raymott, I thought "wonder" was a special word, it won't have past tense all the time, that's why I curiously asked this question. After your explanation, it means "wonder" can be treated as a normal verb form and can be changed the form when it is necessary, right?

 

[Raymott]

Hi Raymott, I thought "wonder" was a special word, it won't have past tense all the time, that's why I curiously asked this question. After your explanation, it means "wonder" can be treated as a normal verb form and can be changed the form when it is necessary, right?

Yes.

 

[Williamyh]

Yes.

I want to know which one is correct? Tks

e.g. I was wondering if you could help me.

e.g. I was wondering if you can help me.

 

[Raymott]

I want to know which one is correct? Tks

e.g. I was wondering if you could help me.

e.g. I was wondering if you can help me.

The first is more common simply because of the consistency of tenses.
1. I am wondering if you can help.
2. I was wondering if you could help me.
The second is only for politeness. It doesn't refer to the past. It's similar to the use of will/would.
3. I am wondering if you will help me.
4. I was wondering if you would help me.

Whichever you choose to say, the hearer will understand that you are asking for help.