Question
Updated on
15 Oct 2014
- Japanese
-
English (US)
-
Spanish (Spain)
Question about English (US)
"wonder if". This is very confusing. Is this more like Yes or No?
examples:
A: I wonder if this news report is just a tall story some jernalist made up.
B: I wonder if he is really a graduate of Harvard.
In Case A, if clause is being confirmed.
In case B, if clause is denied.
The speaker is trying to convey opposite tones in each case,
at least so it seems to me. Am I right?
How do I know the correct nuance of "wonder if" in each case?
"wonder if". This is very confusing. Is this more like Yes or No?
examples:
A: I wonder if this news report is just a tall story some jernalist made up.
B: I wonder if he is really a graduate of Harvard.
In Case A, if clause is being confirmed.
In case B, if clause is denied.
The speaker is trying to convey opposite tones in each case,
at least so it seems to me. Am I right?
How do I know the correct nuance of "wonder if" in each case?
examples:
A: I wonder if this news report is just a tall story some jernalist made up.
B: I wonder if he is really a graduate of Harvard.
In Case A, if clause is being confirmed.
In case B, if clause is denied.
The speaker is trying to convey opposite tones in each case,
at least so it seems to me. Am I right?
How do I know the correct nuance of "wonder if" in each case?
Answers
Read more comments
- English (US)
Yes, your feeling is correct: in sentence A, the phrase "I wonder" is similar to "I think" or "I suspect". However, in sentence B, it is more like "I doubt" or "I don't think".
I think the main difference is the word "really" in sentence B, which shows some questioning or doubt about the statement.
- German
- English (US) Near fluent
I wonder if means I'm asking myself. It doesn't matter if you're leaning to yes or no. You're saying there is a doubt, it's not sure.
- Japanese
I understand better now, thanks a lot.
I wonder if I'll be able to use this phrase appropriately myself, though.
I wonder if I'll be able to use this phrase appropriately myself, though.

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