a curious issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a curious issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or problem that is intriguing or raises questions. Example: "The report highlighted a curious issue regarding the discrepancies in the data collected from different sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What western readers expect of Chinese science fiction is a curious issue.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

MATHEMATICS is a curious subject.

The Economist

This has a curious result.

The Economist

When I write something about a relatively non-divisive, curious issue like Indian voting rights, I may get a few dozen comments.

The Economist

The curious issue was first spotted by the self-proclaimed "discoverer of the Pi2 xenon death flash" and Raspberry Pi 2 user PeterO, who posted his discovery on the Raspberry Pi Foundation's message boards.

The Guardian - Tech

Another curious issue related to all this is the way all the HDR presets have their brightness set to Max by default.

Forbes

At first, Fajgenbaum chalked these curious issues up to being an overworked medical student.

HuffPost

Tinkerers will enjoy how easy it is to start tricking out the Nexus 4, and they'll be able to tackle some of the Nexus 4's more curious issues.

TechCrunch

Maybe that explains a curious document just issued by the office of Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, which is to be considered by European Union leaders when they meet in Stockholm on March 23rd and 24th.The document is an oblique response to the frequently repeated complaint that the EU burdens its citizens and businesses with red tape.

The Economist

Jay Carney, White House spokesman, Tuesday The issue A curious phrase by a President who is careful with his words.

Independent

After a curt reception of a delegation led by Margaret Wallstrom, the European environment commissioner, this week, Ms Whitman issued a curious statement that captures the Kafkaesque quality of current American thinking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations. The phrase implies more than just a problem; it suggests something worthy of investigation and potentially surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "a curious issue" simply as a placeholder for any problem. Ensure the issue genuinely presents an element of intrigue or unexpectedness, or replace 'curious' with a more appropriate descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a curious issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "curious" modifies the noun "issue". This construction serves to highlight the intriguing or puzzling nature of the subject being discussed. Ludwig confirms the validity of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a curious issue" is a valid and useful phrase for introducing topics that are not only problematic but also intriguing. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. The phrase suggests that the issue is worthy of further investigation due to its unique or unexpected nature. While there are several alternatives, such as "an interesting problem" or "a peculiar matter", it's important to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overuse without substantive intrigue to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an interesting problem

Focuses more on the problematic aspect rather than the intriguing one.

a peculiar matter

Highlights the strangeness or oddity of the situation.

a strange dilemma

Emphasizes the perplexing and difficult nature of the issue.

an unusual circumstance

Underlines the rarity or uncommon nature of the situation.

a noteworthy concern

Emphasizes the importance of the issue needing attention.

a remarkable question

Highlights the significance and potential impact of the issue.

an exceptional case

Focuses on the issue being outside the norm or typical expectations.

an odd predicament

Emphasizes the awkward or difficult nature of the situation.

a puzzling situation

Highlights the confusing and unclear nature of the issue.

an intriguing subject

Shifts the focus to the captivating and fascinating nature of the topic.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a curious issue" in a sentence?

Use "a curious issue" to introduce a topic that presents an interesting paradox or contradiction. For instance, "The study revealed "a curious issue": despite increased funding, student performance declined".

What are some alternatives to "a curious issue" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "an "intriguing matter"", "a "puzzling problem"", or "an "unusual circumstance depending on the context"".

When is it appropriate to use "a curious issue" in writing?

It's suitable when the issue presents an element of intrigue or surprise. It's less appropriate if the issue is simply a straightforward problem without any particularly interesting aspects.

What distinguishes "a curious issue" from a regular problem?

The term ""a curious issue"" implies that there is something particularly interesting, strange, or unexpected about the problem, inviting further investigation beyond a simple solution.