What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
marveling
Example
I was marveling at the beauty of the sunset. [marveling: verb]
Example
The audience was marveling at the acrobat's incredible performance. [marveling: gerund or present participle]
wondering
Example
I was wondering what time the movie starts. [wondering: verb]
Example
She was lost in thought, wondering about the meaning of life. [wondering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wondering is more commonly used than marveling in everyday language. Wondering is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while marveling is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between marveling and wondering?
Both marveling and wondering are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversations or writing. However, marveling may be perceived as slightly more formal or literary due to its association with aesthetic experiences.