I was wondering if | I wonder if

FORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase I was wondering if | I wonder if

Meaning

You can use this to make a polite offer or request.

For example

  • "I was wondering if you'd like to come to the concert?"
    "I'd love to. Thanks!"

  • "I wonder if you could help me? I'm looking for a book by Mark Twain."
    "We can probably help you. Which one did you want?"

Note:

1. Also "I was wondering whether" and "I wonder whether"
2. All these phrases can be used to turn a demand or an order (like "Pass the butter!") into a polite request (like "I wonder if you could pass the butter?")

Quick Quiz

He said, "I was wondering if I could use your phone?" He

a. needed to use my phone

b. wasn't sure if he needed to use it

c. wasn't sure if he knew how to use it
a) needed to use my phone b) wasn't sure if he needed to use it c) wasn't sure if he knew how to use it

Contributor: Matt Errey