Wonder or Wander?

What Is the Difference between "Wonder" and "Wander"?

"Wonder" and "wander" are easy to confuse because they sound almost identical (i.e., they are nearly homonyms).

• "Wonder" is a miracle or an amazement. "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.)
• "Wander" is an aimless walk. "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.

More about "Wonder" and "Wander"

Click to hear how "wonder" and "wander" are pronounced:

Wonder

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

Example sentences with "wonder":

• 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.

Example sentences with "wander":

• 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:

• I wonder if that's true?
(This is a statement not question, so the question mark is wrong. In other words, this is declarative sentence not an interrogative one.)
• I wonder if the bus will arrive on time.
(The period (full stop) is correct.)

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