Could you please let me know which one of the structure "wonder / was wondering" is more in common use in AE speech:
1) I wonder if / whether
used to ask politely for something [= may I]:
- I wonder if I might have a drink?
2) I was wondering if / whether
a) used to politely ask someone to help you:
- I was wondering if I could borrow your car?
b) used to ask someone politely if they would like to do something:
- I was wondering if you’d like to come to dinner.
Source: Longman Dictionary.
I guess the only common usage in today's speech is '2a'.
Best Answer
2a is the most used. 2b is used frequently as well.
1 isn't really used in the context of asking for something like a drink or a ride, etc.
However, 1 is used more for telling someone else that they have a thought about something, but it's assumed that the other person should answer what their thought/question is if they know. Like "I wonder how those big fluffy clouds form?".