curious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire to know or learn something, often in a context where someone is asking questions or seeking information. Example: "I am curious about the new project and would like to know more details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am curious to find out how the mystery ends, but I wouldn't break your neck trying to add this one to the queue.

The Guardian

Kenny was a hugely gifted comic actor, with a curious mixture of vulnerability and self-confidence.

The Guardian

In this frenzy of the January transfer window, it may seem curious to outsiders that some of the strongest focus from England on a Scottish club can be found in Falkirk.

The Guardian - Sport

Last time, I was fortunate enough to be part of Damon [Albarn]'s Rocket Juice & the Moon project, so I'm now curious to see who I'll work with after this new Africa Express!

The Guardian - Music

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

The Guardian

A curious thing about Rodríguez is that he seems a bit slow but he changes gear when the opposition are least expecting it.

The Guardian - Sport

You will hear whale song and see them breech, fluke and nurse their babies – who themselves are often very curious about humans.

The Guardian - Travel

Q: [To Hall] Are you not intellectually curious as to who was right in the Newsnight/Savile affair - Helen Boaden or Mark Thompson?

The Guardian

There is a curious contradiction in an arts centre having the name Home.

The Guardian

Wendi Murdoch becomes a curious wrinkle in the power equation – a way for Blair to see himself as having control of Murdoch, of joining with Wendi to handle him.

The Guardian - Opinion

The curious thing was that Arsenal did look as if they could score again on the counter.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that is strange or unusual, consider if "curious" accurately captures the intended meaning. Alternatives like "odd" or "peculiar" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

While "curious" is versatile, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "inquisitive" or "analytical" to maintain a refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "curious" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of inquisitiveness, strangeness, or unusualness. Ludwig AI confirms its use in diverse contexts, such as expressing a desire to learn or describing something peculiar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious" is a versatile adjective commonly used to express inquisitiveness, describe unusual things, or convey a desire to learn more. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While highly frequent, consider context-appropriate synonyms like "inquisitive", "interested", or "peculiar" for nuanced meaning and formal tone. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and potential for overuse, writers can effectively integrate "curious" into their vocabulary and writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitive

Focuses specifically on the act of asking questions and seeking information.

interested

Indicates a general feeling of wanting to know more or be involved.

eager to know

Highlights enthusiasm to know, learn or understand something.

strange

Emphasizes the unusual or odd nature of something, rather than a desire to learn about it.

wanting to investigate

Specifies a desire to actively probe and examine something.

peculiar

Highlights the distinctiveness or uniqueness of something.

odd

Stresses the deviation from what is normal or expected.

fascinated

Indicates a strong attraction and interest.

unusual

Implies a departure from the ordinary or commonplace.

bizarre

Suggests something strikingly out of the ordinary, often in a disturbing way.

FAQs

How can I use "curious" in a sentence?

You can use "curious" to describe someone eager to learn, like "The child was "curious about" the world around them". It can also describe something strange, as in, "That's a "curious coincidence"".

What's the difference between "curious" and "inquisitive"?

"Curious" generally implies a desire to know or learn something, while "inquisitive" suggests a more active and questioning approach. Inquisitive often carries a stronger sense of actively seeking information.

What are some synonyms for "curious" when describing something strange?

When "curious" is used to describe something strange, you can use synonyms like "peculiar", "odd", or "unusual" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I'm curious to know"?

Yes, "I'm curious to know" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase. It expresses a desire to learn or find out something. You could also say "I'm interested to know" or "I'd like to know" as alternatives.