What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wondered
Example
I wondered what the outcome of the game would be. [wondered: past tense]
Example
She wondered why he had not called her back. [wondered: verb]
pondered
Example
He pondered the meaning of life for hours. [pondered: past tense]
Example
She sat and pondered the decision for a long time. [pondered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wondered is more commonly used than pondered in everyday language. Wondered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pondered is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wondered and pondered?
Pondered is typically associated with a more formal and intellectual tone, while wondered is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
