curious items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious items" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe objects or things that provoke interest or intrigue due to their unusual or unique nature. Example: "The antique shop was filled with curious items, each telling a story of its own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

One of the most curious items is the print called "Time, Apollo and the Seasons".

The New York Times - Arts

The early studies for "Homage" are curious items: blackish, brownish, mulchy things, muddied with coats of varnish.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the more curious items on his agenda is a pre-emptive assault on a threat that does not exist.

The New York Times

They also found some curious items: A wallet with identification cards from four states, each with a photograph of Mr. Muhammad but with different names.

The New York Times

Tells about Alexander Romm," today's leading Soviet art critic, whose book "Matisse, a Social Critique," is one of the most curious items in the enormous library of books written about Matisse.

The New Yorker

One of the most curious items is the print called "Time, Apollo and the Seasons". This is said to be related to Poussin's "Dance to the Music of Time" in the Wallace Collection in London.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Australian newspaper has run a curious item in recent times headlined "Meanwhile, in Victoria".

The Guardian - Opinion

Consider this curious item of furniture, which belongs to the Geffrye Museum in London and appears at Turner Contemporary, Margate, as part of Curiosity: Art and the Pleasures of Knowing.

The Guardian - Arts

Consider this curious item of furniture, which belongs to the Geffrye Museum in London and appears at Turner Contemporary, Margate, as part of Curiosity: Art and the Pleasures of Knowing.

The Guardian - Arts

From there one blog after another picks the curious item up and passes it on until the cumulative effect is as great as a major breaking news story.

The Guardian - Tech

The most interesting and curious item was the program opener, "Railroad Joint," choreographed by Yuri Zhukov, whom some ballet-goers will recall as the lead male dancer in Suzanne Farrell's 1989 staging of Balanchine's "Scotch Symphony" for the Kirov Ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing collections or exhibits, use "curious items" to draw attention to the unique or unexpected nature of the objects on display. For example, "The museum's collection included a variety of "curious items", from ancient tools to modern art."

Common error

While "curious items" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal. In academic or highly professional writing, consider alternatives like "unusual artifacts" or "intriguing objects" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious items" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a sentence or clause. It typically follows a verb like 'found', 'collected', or 'displayed'. This is aligned with Ludwig's identification of the phrase, emphasizing its role in describing physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious items" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes objects of interest due to their unusual nature. As Ludwig highlights, it's widely accepted and understood, making it a versatile choice for various contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic settings. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider "unusual objects" or "intriguing artifacts". Remember, the allure of "curious items" lies in their ability to spark interest and intrigue, making them a captivating subject for discussion and exploration. Whether describing museum exhibits or personal collections, this phrase effectively captures the unique essence of these objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual objects

Focuses on the deviation from the norm in the objects being described.

peculiar artifacts

Emphasizes the strangeness and origin of the items, often implying historical or cultural significance.

intriguing objects

Highlights the captivating quality of the items, suggesting they are fascinating and arouse curiosity.

strange articles

Underscores the oddity and unfamiliarity of the items.

odd collectibles

Implies the items are gathered or collected due to their unique and unconventional nature.

remarkable pieces

Stresses the noteworthiness of the items, indicating they are exceptional or outstanding.

unique finds

Highlights the rarity and special quality of the items, suggesting they are hard to come by.

distinctive elements

Focuses on the characteristic qualities that set the items apart from others.

rare commodities

Emphasizes the scarcity and value of the items, suggesting they are prized possessions.

eccentric belongings

Suggests the items are owned by someone with unconventional tastes or preferences.

FAQs

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

You can use "curious items" to describe objects or things that provoke interest or intrigue due to their unusual or unique nature. For example: "The antique shop was filled with "curious items", each telling a story of its own."

What can I say instead of "curious items"?

You can use alternatives like "unusual objects", "intriguing artifacts", or "peculiar items" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "curious items" or "curious item"?

"Curious items" (plural) refers to multiple objects, while "curious item" (singular) refers to a single object. The choice depends on whether you are describing one thing or several.

What's the difference between "curious items" and "interesting items"?

"Curious items" suggests a sense of strangeness or peculiarity, while "interesting items" simply means the objects are engaging or of interest. The former implies a deeper level of intrigue or unusualness.