as a curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something interesting, unusual, or unexpected, usually in a humorous or ironic way. For example, "He showed up to the party wearing a top hat, as a curiosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I sent it as a curiosity".

The New Yorker

It is commonly grown as a curiosity in greenhouses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He arrived in Yankees camp as a curiosity.

The New York Times - Sports

Outlaws less as a competitor than as a curiosity.

The New York Times - Sports

Early on, the party was largely dismissed as a curiosity.

The New York Times

"People began to register as a curiosity," Mr. Hopkins explained.

The New York Times - Style

It was even being circulated among Isis as a curiosity, as something funny".

Independent

"It was simply regarded as a curiosity," he writes, "like a fondness for yoga".

The New York Times - Books

In sceptical old Europe, most countries treat polygraphs as a curiosity at best.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The Nation has outgrown them and the last showman will soon be as great a curiosity as the dodo".

The Guardian - Arts

Carrie the musical is as much a curiosity as its subject.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a curiosity" to introduce something that is interesting because it deviates from the norm. For example, "The old map was kept as a curiosity, a relic of a bygone era".

Common error

While acceptable, "as a curiosity" can sometimes sound dismissive or flippant in formal or serious writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "as an item of interest" or "for informational purposes" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a curiosity" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the reason or purpose behind an action or state, indicating that something is being considered or treated due to its unusual or interesting nature. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a curiosity" is a prepositional phrase that describes something interesting or unusual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and register when employing it, especially in formal writing where more neutral alternatives may be preferable. This phrase is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and science-related content, serving to highlight the intriguing, yet perhaps not crucial, aspects of a subject. Use it to add a touch of intrigue and interest to your writing, but be mindful of its potential to sound dismissive if not used carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an oddity

Focuses more on the strangeness or unusual nature of the subject.

as a novelty

Highlights the newness or freshness of the subject, implying it might be short-lived in interest.

as a peculiar thing

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and perhaps slightly baffling nature of the subject.

as an interesting diversion

Suggests the subject is a temporary distraction or source of amusement.

as something intriguing

Focuses on the mysterious or fascinating qualities of the subject.

as a unique item

Highlights the singularity and distinctiveness of the subject.

as a talking point

Indicates that the subject is something people might discuss due to its unusual nature.

as a spectacle

Implies the subject is visually striking or dramatic, drawing attention.

as a matter of interest

Presents the subject as something worth noting or considering.

for its strangeness

Directly addresses the subject's odd or unfamiliar qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "as a curiosity" in a sentence?

You can use "as a curiosity" to describe something that is interesting or unusual. For instance, "He collected vintage postcards as a curiosity".

What are some alternatives to "as a curiosity"?

You can use alternatives such as "as an oddity", "as a novelty", or "as something intriguing" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as a curiosity" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as a curiosity" may sound informal or slightly dismissive in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases like "as an item of interest" or "for informational purposes".

What's the difference between "as a curiosity" and "as a rarity"?

"As a curiosity" implies something is interesting because it's unusual, while "as a rarity" emphasizes that something is scarce or uncommon. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight its unusual nature or its scarcity.