be curious

USAGE SUMMARY

"be curious" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You could use it to encourage someone to explore a topic or to contemplate a thought. For example, you might say, "Be curious about things you don't understand. Ask questions and dig deeper until you get the answers you need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Be Curious!

Columbia University

But people will be curious.

Independent

For example, let's be curious".

The New York Times

They can be curious.

University of California, Berkeley

Lastly, be curious.

Harvard Business Review

Who wouldn't be curious?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Humans are curious beings.

HuffPost

Viruses are curious life forms.

Cell

People are curious.

The Guardian - Money

Everyone is curious.

The New Yorker

"It's curious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be curious" to encourage an open and exploratory mindset, particularly when introducing new concepts or challenges.

Common error

While "be curious" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or professional settings may sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "demonstrate inquisitiveness" or "cultivate a spirit of inquiry" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be curious" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or encouraging someone to adopt a state of inquisitiveness. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and provides examples of its application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be curious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase that encourages inquisitiveness and exploration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its appearance in a variety of contexts, from academia and news media to more informal wikis. While versatile, users should consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "cultivate inquisitiveness" in professional settings. The phrase's purpose is to inspire learning and proactive engagement with the world, making it a powerful tool for motivation and personal growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay inquisitive

This suggests maintaining an ongoing state of curiosity.

develop an inquiring mind

This suggests growing and honing one's ability to ask insightful questions.

cultivate curiosity

This alternative focuses on actively developing a curious mindset.

embrace inquiry

This encourages accepting and valuing the process of asking questions.

remain open-minded

This emphasizes receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives.

foster your interest

This focuses on nurturing and developing one's natural inclinations.

keep exploring

This suggests continuing to investigate and discover new things.

never stop questioning

This highlights the importance of continuous inquiry and critical thinking.

have a thirst for knowledge

Emphasizes the desire to learn and understand more.

take an interest

A more general encouragement to find something engaging.

FAQs

How can I use "be curious" in a sentence?

You can use "be curious" as a direct imperative, such as "Be curious and explore new possibilities" or "To succeed, "be curious" about the world around you".

What's a more formal way to say "be curious"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "cultivate inquisitiveness", "demonstrate a spirit of inquiry", or "foster intellectual curiosity".

When is it appropriate to use "be curious"?

"Be curious" is appropriate in a variety of settings, from encouraging children to learn to motivating teams to innovate. It's particularly effective when you want to inspire a sense of wonder and exploration.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "be curious"?

No, the phrase "be curious" generally has positive connotations. However, excessive curiosity without discretion can sometimes be perceived negatively, so it's important to balance inquisitiveness with respect for boundaries and privacy.