a curious thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a curious thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an intriguing or interesting idea that has come to mind. Example: "As I was reading the book, a curious thought crossed my mind about the author's intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That is a curious thought.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a curious thought that, while Samba's potential led to his heady computer game exploits, his high-profile presence on the game may to some extent have helped him maintain his career as a player.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a curious thought but then, as Aschenbach says in the opera, "Who really understands the workings of the creative mind?" However, it's equally clear that for all the interest and anxiety, nothing much happened; Britten was not an abuser.

The Guardian - Music

It's a curious thought that it has been so long, as early in my career I was part of teams that picked up plenty of silverware in the Six Nations and Europe, but at last the years of famine are over.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm sure we'll see more PC manufacturers model this packaging approach in the near future, however, this raises a curious thought in my mind: if this new approach wouldn't save money for Dell, would they be doing it anyways to save the planet/appear socially responsible?

TechCrunch

11. "It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A curious view.

The New Yorker

Heston Blumenthal, the chef, has some curious thoughts about what they need to do to survive.

The New York Times

In nearby Truth or Consequences, a quirky art town named for the long-running game show, residents have mixed, though curious, thoughts about space travel in their backyard.

The New York Times

It's a curious and melancholy thought that someone so well known can be so quickly forgotten.

The Guardian - Books

This point is connected in Quine's thought with a curious complacency about truth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a curious thought", follow it with an explanation or elaboration to clarify the idea and its significance.

Common error

While "a curious thought" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal academic or business writing. Opt for more precise and analytical language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a curious thought" functions as a noun phrase, where "curious" modifies the noun "thought". It typically serves to introduce or highlight an idea that the speaker or writer finds interesting or unusual. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is often used to preface an observation or proposition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a curious thought" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, typically used to introduce an interesting or unusual idea. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness. While it is relatively uncommon, it finds frequent use in News & Media and Science, presenting ideas that warrant further exploration. The phrase has several alternatives, such as "an intriguing notion" or "a peculiar idea", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure you elaborate on the thought to clarify its significance and avoid overusing it in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intriguing notion

Emphasizes the captivating quality of the idea.

a fascinating concept

Emphasizes the captivating and engaging nature of the concept.

a peculiar idea

Highlights the strangeness or unusual nature of the thought.

an odd concept

Focuses on the unconventional aspect of the concept.

a strange idea

Highlights the unexpectedness or unfamiliarity of the thought.

an unusual idea

Highlights that the thought is not common.

an interesting proposition

Frames the thought as something worthy of consideration or debate.

a remarkable idea

Highlights the exceptional quality or impact of the thought.

a novel concept

Emphasizes the newness and originality of the concept.

a singular notion

Highlights the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the idea.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a curious thought" into a sentence?

You can use "a curious thought" to introduce an idea or observation, like in the sentence, "It is a curious thought that, while Samba's potential led to his heady computer game exploits, his high-profile presence on the game may to some extent have helped him maintain his career as a player."

What are some alternatives to "a curious thought"?

Alternatives include "an intriguing notion", "a peculiar idea", or "an odd concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a curious thought" formal or informal?

"A curious thought" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, though it might be less appropriate in highly formal academic or business writing.

When is it best to use "a curious thought" in writing?

Use "a curious thought" when you want to introduce an idea that strikes you as interesting, unusual, or thought-provoking, signaling to your reader that it merits further consideration.