Wonder or Wander?

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Wonder or Wander?

What is the difference between "wonder" and "wander"?
  • "A wonder" is a miracle or an amazement. As a verb, "to wonder" means to want to know something. For example:
    • It's a wonder you passed the exam.
    • I wonder how old she is.
      • (Note that this is a statement not a question, which is why there is no question mark.)
  • A "wander" is an aimless walk. As a verb, "to wander" means to walk or move in a leisurely or aimless way. For example:
    • I think I'll go for a wander.
    • We found grandma wandering in the park.
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More about "Wonder" and "Wander"

The words "wonder" and "wander" sound similar, but their meanings are very different.
"wonder" and "wander"

Wonder

The noun "wonder" describes a feeling of amazement (usually caused by something beautiful or remarkable). As a verb, "to wonder" means to want to know something. It is similar to "to ponder" or "to feel curious."

Examples:
  • Wisdom begins in wonder. (Philosopher Socrates)
  • It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense. (Writer Mark Twain)
    • (The term "no wonder" means "no surprise.")

Wander

"To wander" is a verb meaning to walk in a leisurely or aimless way. It is similar in meaning to "to stroll" or "to dawdle." As a noun, "wander" describes the act of wandering.

Examples:
  • Not all those who wander are lost. (Author J R R Tolkien)
  • I was a fantastic student until my mind began to wander. (Author Grace Paley)
  • I went on a wander through the forest to see the flowers in bloom.
    • (Here, "wander" is a noun.)

Common Terms with "Wonder" and "Wander"

Common terms with the word "wonder":
  • natural wonder
  • boy wonder
  • no wonder
  • wonderful
  • one-hit wonder
Common terms with the word "wander":
  • wander off
  • wandering star
  • wandering albatross

Is It a Question?

Be careful with the verb "to wonder." It is often used in a statement that feels like a question. For example:
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose? What are nouns? What are adjectives? List of easily confused words