curious case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event, situation, or phenomenon that is strange, interesting, or difficult to explain. For example: "The scientist was presented with a very curious case when they discovered a new species of insect they had never seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

China has become a very curious case.

The New York Times

Axes America itself presents a curious case.

The New York Times

The curious case of a disappearing icon.

The New York Times

Take the curious case of Priti Patel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here is a most curious case indeed.

The New York Times

Los Angeles is a curious case.

The Guardian - Sport

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

The Guardian - Film

Efimova's is not the only curious case.

The Guardian - Sport

Ah, the curious case of Slumdog Millionaire.

The Guardian - Film

He begins with the curious case of color in dreams.

The New York Times - Books

Then there is the curious case of "No.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "curious case", ensure that the context clearly establishes the elements of intrigue or anomaly that justify its use, preventing ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "curious case" for situations that are merely slightly unusual. Reserve it for scenarios that present a genuine element of mystery or require deeper examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious case" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a subject or situation that is intriguing, puzzling, or unusual. It sets the stage for further exploration or analysis of something that deviates from the norm, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "curious case" is a noun phrase used to introduce situations or subjects that are intriguing, puzzling, or unusual. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia and Science. It serves to pique interest and signal the forthcoming exploration of something out of the ordinary. While versatile, the phrase should be reserved for situations genuinely deserving of the label, avoiding overuse in commonplace scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange situation

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of the situation.

puzzling matter

Highlights the confusing and difficult-to-understand nature of the issue.

peculiar instance

Highlights the distinct and somewhat strange nature of the event.

unexplained incident

Emphasizes the lack of a clear explanation for the occurrence.

unusual occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency and atypical nature of the event.

enigmatic event

Highlights the mysterious and difficult-to-interpret nature of the event.

odd phenomenon

Highlights the inexplicable nature of the event.

mystifying circumstance

Focuses on the bewildering and perplexing aspect of the situation.

remarkable situation

Focuses on the noteworthiness of the situation.

baffling problem

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or resolving the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "curious case" to introduce something that's odd or interesting. For instance, "The disappearance of the artifact is a "curious case" that baffled historians."

What's a good alternative to "curious case"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, alternatives to "curious case" could include "strange situation", "peculiar instance", or "unusual occurrence".

Is it appropriate to use "curious case" in formal writing?

Yes, "curious case" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a complex or puzzling scenario. However, ensure the tone aligns with the formality of the piece.

What makes something a "curious case" rather than just a "case"?

The addition of "curious" implies that the situation or case is not only a matter of fact but also presents elements that are strange, interesting, or difficult to explain, setting it apart from an ordinary "case".