The use of "ponder" in everyday coversation

Question

HiWould the word "ponder" grate on native ears if used in everyday conversation?What are you pondering about?Thanks,tom

Blue Jay · Accepted Answer

No. Ponder is used quite often.

Anonymous · Answer

I disagree about this. This would rarely be heard in everyday speech in the US. I'm a native English speaker in the US, and I cannot recall ever using the word in speech or writing, in my entire life. The problem with it is that "ponder" conveys the idea of very deep consideration and thinking, and how many times does one do that in an ordinary day? That's just too deep for most people. People would use the word "think" instead, as in: "I'll have to think about that." or "What are you thinking about?", etc. Furthermore, the sentence, "What are you pondering about?" is ungrammatical.

The only time you might hear the word "ponder" is in the set expression, "I'll have to ponder that question.", which is used for effect in a situation where someone is trying to avoid immediately answering a question. This again would be a rare occurence.

KJinCali79 · Answer

I hear the word "ponder" in the following phrases:
"Let me ponder that." -- I need some time to think deeply/evaluate and get back to you. Similarly, "I need to ponder that." or "I'll have to ponder that."
I also hear the past tense version often, such as: "He pondered the decision carefully before making it." And, "We pondered our options."
I very rarely, if ever, hear the progressive tense, "pondering," but it is not ungrammatical, just uncommon.

The use of "ponder" in everyday coversation

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