curious order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence or arrangement that is unusual or intriguing in some way. Example: "The curious order of the books on the shelf caught my attention, as they seemed to follow no particular genre or theme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In her Who's Who entry Dame Beryl Bainbridge described herself as "actress, writer," a curious order of listing for someone who won so much acclaim as a novelist.

Independent

Bagehot is not alone in feeling queasy about the potential entrapment involved, and about the curious order in which the various remarks have been published.

The Economist

Yet while Reed is given time, space and freedom to research managers, some clubs organise their structure in a curious order: manager first, director of football second.

The Guardian - Sport

On Monday, in his first appearance as the chosen presidential candidate, Mr. Putin ordered federal bodies to switch from paper to electronic documentation — a curious order from a man who, aides say, remains reluctant to use the Internet.

The New York Times

The appeals courts had relied on a curious order from the Supreme Court in 1967 in Rees v. Peyton, in which the court "held without action" a request for review from a mentally incompetent death row inmate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Curious, I ordered them.

The New York Times - Travel

I've gotten my kids curious by ordering a lot of free seed company catalogues that are released this time of year.

Huffington Post

For now, curious drinkers can order only a 250-milliliter collector's edition bottle, priced around $19. Standard 150-milliliter bottles will be available for sale online in September for $10.

The New York Times

Of course, a book can't really be banned anymore; in this case, a curious reader can order Colting's book at www.amazon.com/uk (where things are mostly the same with a few charming exceptions: look, your shopping cart is a basket, the price is in pounds, and they "dispatch" your items rather than ship them!).

The New Yorker

Well, if you're curious, you can order it here.

TechCrunch

We aim to be the world's leading catalyst for inspiring, connecting, and empowering curious people in order to make the world a better place.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "curious order", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the order unusual or intriguing. Providing specific details enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "curious order" simply as a stylistic flourish. Ensure the order truly deviates from expectations; otherwise, a more straightforward descriptor is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious order" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a sequence or arrangement that is unusual or intriguing. The adjective "curious" highlights the unexpected nature of the order.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious order" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unusual or intriguing sequence or arrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and can be used to highlight something that deviates from the norm. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While not overly formal, it's important to ensure that the context justifies the use of "curious" to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "strange sequence" or "unusual arrangement" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strange sequence

Replaces "curious" with "strange", emphasizing the oddness of the sequence.

Unusual arrangement

Substitutes "curious" with "unusual", highlighting the uncommon nature of the arrangement.

Peculiar sequence

Uses "peculiar" instead of "curious", indicating a slightly more eccentric sequence.

Odd arrangement

Replaces "curious" with "odd", suggesting an unconventional arrangement.

Intriguing sequence

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the sequence.

Remarkable order

Highlights the noteworthiness of the order.

Notable sequence

Similar to remarkable, focusing on the sequence being worthy of attention.

Singular arrangement

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the arrangement.

Unique order

Highlights that the order is unlike others.

Extraordinary sequence

Suggests the sequence is beyond the ordinary.

FAQs

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

Use "curious order" to describe an arrangement or sequence that is unusual or intriguing. For example, "The books were arranged in a "curious order", seemingly by color rather than genre."

What are some alternatives to "curious order"?

Alternatives include "strange sequence", "unusual arrangement", or "peculiar sequence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "curious order" formal or informal?

"Curious order" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it may be more common in writing than in casual conversation.

What makes an order "curious"?

An order is "curious" when it deviates from the expected or conventional arrangement, piquing interest or raising questions about its purpose or logic.