curious enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has an unusual or unexpected quality. For example: "He was curious enough to try the new dish, even though he didn't know what it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I hope I make you curious enough.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Irvine was curious enough to take another look, and after lunch Thompson drove him back.

The New Yorker

Brown was curious enough to meet with Ikei again last December when B.Y.U.

The New York Times - Sports

Ashton's friend was curious enough to call the Weiners the following day.

The New Yorker

"You have to be curious enough to go over and browse through them," Ms. Johnson said.

The New York Times

I was curious enough to stop and ask them what they were doing.

University of California, Berkeley

These latter are curious enough, but Roger chances upon a clue and then, shortly, a corpse.

The New York Times

Her enthusiasm made me curious enough to give the story a try.

Nature

When I got home, I was vulgar and curious enough to look the wine up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet he remains infatuated (or maybe just curious) enough to keep playing along.

The New York Times

I was curious enough to compare the 42nd president's appetite for books with his predecessors'.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curious enough" to indicate a level of interest that prompts action or further inquiry. It suggests a threshold has been reached, motivating someone to explore something more deeply.

Common error

While "curious enough" is valid, avoid constructions where "enough" appears repeatedly in the same sentence, as it can sound awkward. For instance, instead of 'He was curious enough, and that was enough to make him investigate,' try 'His curiosity drove him to investigate'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious enough" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by an adverb, indicating a level of curiosity that meets a certain threshold. It typically modifies a subject, suggesting they possess a sufficient degree of interest to prompt a specific action. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious enough" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates a sufficient level of curiosity to prompt a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While alternative phrases like "sufficiently interested" or "sufficiently intrigued" can be used, "curious enough" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility. When using the phrase, be mindful of potential redundancy with other instances of "enough" in the same sentence. The phrase's widespread usage across reputable sources underscores its validity and usefulness in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently interested

A more direct and straightforward alternative, focusing on interest level.

sufficiently inquisitive

Emphasizes the level of inquisitiveness required, sounding more formal.

sufficiently intrigued

Highlights the element of intrigue and captivation.

interested to the point of

Highlights the progression of interest to a specific threshold or action.

sufficiently fascinated

Emphasizes the captivating and absorbing nature of the subject.

inquisitive to the extent of

Focuses on the degree of inquisitiveness leading to a particular outcome.

inclined to investigate

Suggests a willingness to explore or examine something further.

tempted to examine

Focuses on the temptation or allure of examining something.

motivated to explore

Emphasizes the drive and motivation behind the curiosity.

persuaded to delve into

Highlights the act of persuading or convincing someone to explore.

FAQs

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

You can use "curious enough" to indicate a level of inquisitiveness that motivates someone to investigate or take action, as in "She was "curious enough" to read the entire article".

What are some alternatives to "curious enough"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sufficiently interested", "sufficiently intrigued", or "inclined to investigate".

Is "curious enough" formal or informal?

"Curious enough" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "sufficiently inquisitive" may be more appropriate for academic or professional writing.

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

While similar, "curious enough" suggests a general interest that sparks action, whereas "inquisitive enough" /s/inquisitive+enough implies a more active and probing desire to learn and question. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.