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Alc24 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Wondering if

Could you say this please?

1 This is the essay I was wondering if you'd look at.
2 This is the essay I was hoping you'd look at.

Thanks
  

Top answer

Sentence 2, by using 'hoping', suggests that it is more important to you that the essay be examined. 'Wondering' is used as a soft word suggesting that it is less important; so that if your wish is declined, the person asked will not feel that they are hurting you, and you will retain your pride--wondering indicates that you are not begging the person to look at it out of pathetic desperation.

— Grimsir

  • Sentence 2, by using 'hoping', suggests that it is more important to you that the essay be examined.
  • 'Wondering' is used as a soft word suggesting that it is less important; so that if your wish is declined, the person asked will not feel that they are hurting you, and you will retain your pride--wondering indicates that you are not begging the person to look at it out of pathetic desperation.
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4 Answers
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Sentence 2, by using 'hoping', suggests that it is more important to you that the essay be examined. 'Wondering' is used as a soft word suggesting that it is less important; so that if your wish is declined, the person asked will not feel that they are hurting you, and you will retain your pride--wondering indicates that you are not begging the person to look at it out of pathetic desperation.
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To be honest, I am not crazy about the sound nor construction of the two sentences.

If you want someone to help you look at it, I,d suggest these options:

This is the essay I wrote. Can you please take a look?

I am wondering if you could take a look at this essay for me?
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Could and can are incorrect. The proper word is "will". When someone asks me "Can you...", I reply, "Yes, but I won't."
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Can /could/ will - are all possible. The difference is in the order of registers and the tones associated with them. I would make sure I am covered when I called something "incorrect".
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