Meaning
Used to ask someone politely if they would like to do something. Usually you’re currently curious about something and have yet to receive an answer or have yet to stop being curious about it.
Today’s Sentences
- I was wondering if you could help me.
- I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.
- I was wondering if you could give me directions.
- I was wondering if we could switch to an ocean view room.
- I was wondering if you could turn down the volume.
- Writer’s Note
01
I was wondering if you could help me.
Situation 1
Hi, I was wondering if you could help me.
How can we help?
I think I have a flat tire.
Ok, let us have a look and you can pick your car up later.
Situation 2
Welcome to FirstOne Bank,
how may I help you?
I was wondering if you could help me.
What can I do for you?
I want to switch my account to a more affordable one.
02
I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.
Situation 1
I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.
Sure, when were you thinking?
Do you have time this Saturday evening?
I do. Pick me up at 7?
Situation 2
Hey, how are you?
I’ve been busy with work these last few weeks.
I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.
As friends or on a date?
03
I was wondering if you could give me directions.
Situation 1
Hey, I was wondering if you could give me directions.
Sure, where are you going?
I’m heading out west but can’t find my way.
Just drive down this road and take the exit onto Highway 1.
Situation 2
Excuse me?
I was wondering if you could give me directions.
I sure can!
What are you looking for?
What floor can I find the foodcourt?
You should find it on the third floor.
04
I was wondering if we could switch to an ocean view room.
Situation
Welcome to Brixton Hotel,
how can I help you?
I was wondering if we could switch to an ocean view room.
Let me double check and see if there’s a room available.
Thank you.
05
I was wondering if you could turn down the volume.
Situation
Hey, I was wondering if you could turn down the volume.
Was the music too loud?
Too loud?
I feel like I have to yell just to talk.
Sorry about that.
I’ll turn it down.
Writer’s Note
You can say ‘I wonder’ if you want to be very polite when you are asking someone to do something, or when you are asking them for their opinion or for information.Another way to say “I was wondering…” is; “What are your thoughts on…?” or maybe when writing an email “I’m writing to see if …?”.
Having a set of alternate phrases, similar in meaning but a different sentence, is a great way to expand your English fluency. A lot of English sentences are very repetitive because your daily routine will usually be similar day to day. Remember not to feel pressure to memorize every possible sentence. Just start with a few that you’re comfortable with and think of what kinds of situations commonly arise in your daily life and go from there.
🥳🎉Congratulations! 🥳🎉You just completed your first week of studying! Are you thinking, “It’s only been a week…”. But it’s been a whole week of minutes and hours of thinking and practicing. And that’s a great start and we applaud your effort. We, at Welling, believe that a spark of interest ignites a passion, which helps you discover a path.
