a curious footnote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a curious footnote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an interesting or unusual additional piece of information that is noted at the bottom of a page or document. Example: "In the historical text, there was a curious footnote that revealed the author's hidden motivations for writing the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But lawyers familiar with the case said it seemed to be more of a curious footnote than a significant development.

The New York Times

"He's an extraordinary player, this will be nothing more than a curious footnote in his career," said Jürgen Klopp.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was Vienna, with its rich history of espionage intrigue, to which can now be added a curious footnote.

The Guardian

And Mr. Kalil seemed to relish telling his part of the story, which had a curious footnote.

The New York Times

What the Angulo boys actually spent their days doing is what elevates their story from a curious footnote in the annals of Manhattan oddities to something truly astounding.

The New Yorker

Stuck in self-imposed exile in Miami having been turned into a punchline by Bo' Selecta!, Craig David seemed destined to be a curious footnote of UK pop.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Shushkevich has a second more curious footnote to add to the history books.

The Guardian

Curious footnote: It turns out the Aladdin has already been sold, and the new owners, who take over on Sept. 1, know how to call attention to themselves as well as the old owners.

The New York Times

The immediate question about Ukip's double whammy on Thursday night, when it bloodied Labour's nose at Heywood and Middleton and knocked the Conservatives flat out in Clacton, is whether it will prove another curious footnote in the annals of history, or whether instead it could be one of those rare political nights that really does begin a new chapter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among the more curious footnotes to Trump's Presidency is the provenance of his nativism.

The New Yorker

To these must be added a curious and telling footnote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "a curious footnote", ensure it genuinely adds value or intrigue, rather than being a completely irrelevant tangent. The detail should still have some connection to the broader context.

Common error

Avoid using "a curious footnote" to introduce information that is actually crucial to understanding the topic. The phrase suggests the detail is secondary, so misusing it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a curious footnote" functions as an introductory phrase or discourse marker. It signals the introduction of a supplementary, often intriguing, piece of information that is not central to the main argument or narrative, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a curious footnote" is a useful phrase for introducing interesting but non-essential details in writing. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it is also suitable for academic and less formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure the detail is genuinely interesting and adds value without overshadowing the main subject. Consider alternatives like "an intriguing aside" to achieve slightly different nuances. Remember that "a curious footnote" should enhance rather than distract from your core message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An interesting side note

Emphasizes the interesting and secondary nature of the information, similar to "a curious footnote".

A peculiar detail

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of the detail, similar to the 'curious' aspect of the original phrase.

An intriguing aside

Focuses on the captivating and tangential quality of the information.

A noteworthy digression

Suggests a departure from the main subject that is worth mentioning.

A remarkable addendum

Indicates an addition that is striking or worthy of attention.

An odd extra

Simple and direct way to suggest an added element that is strange.

A tangential observation

Emphasizes that the observation is related but not central to the main point.

A supplementary detail

Highlights the additional and secondary nature of the information.

A minor anomaly

Implies a slight deviation from the norm that is worth noting.

A passing observation

Underlines the brief and incidental character of the comment.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a curious footnote" into my writing?

Use "a curious footnote" to introduce an interesting, but not essential, detail. For instance, "The experiment yielded positive results; a curious footnote: the lab cat seemed particularly interested in the process."

What are some alternatives to "a curious footnote"?

Consider using phrases like "an interesting side note", "a peculiar detail", or "an intriguing aside" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a curious footnote" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a curious footnote" can be suitable for formal writing, especially when adding context or an interesting but non-essential detail. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece; if the situation calls for a more serious or straightforward delivery, consider alternative phrases.

What makes "a curious footnote" different from a regular footnote?

While both add extra information, "a curious footnote" specifically highlights the detail as interesting or unusual. A regular footnote might just provide a reference or clarification, without necessarily being intriguing.