no wonder

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to say that something is not surprising because the reason for it is clear.

   Grammar: Comes at the start of a clause: no wonder she is angry; often followed by that, but that is optional.

   Patterns

   • no wonder (that) someone does something
   • it's no wonder (that) something

   You stayed up until four, so no wonder you are tired.

   It's no wonder the shop is empty with prices that high.

   No wonder he won; he practiced every day.

Common combinations

no wonder you are tired

You worked all night, so no wonder you are tired.

it's no wonder that

It's no wonder that people complain about the traffic.

small wonder

Small wonder the café is busy, since the cakes are great.

no wonder he left

No wonder he left after that argument.

Synonyms and how they differ

unsurprisingly

Unsurprisingly is an adverb and is more formal, whereas no wonder starts a clause in casual speech.

small wonder

Small wonder is a little more old-fashioned and literary.

naturally

Naturally says something is expected, but not that a clear reason explains it.

of course

Of course shows something is obvious, while no wonder links to a cause.

Opposites

Word family

wonder noun

a feeling of surprise

wonder verb

to think about something with curiosity

wonderful adjective

very good

wondrous adjective

inspiring wonder, literary

Commonly confused: no wonder or no wander?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “no wonder”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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