curious smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that indicates interest, intrigue, or a desire to know more about something. Example: "She gave him a curious smile, as if she was eager to learn his secret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A curious smile curls at the corner of his lips.

The Guardian - Books

Kechrid put his arm around Westbrook and asked him to pose with him for a photograph, which evoked a curious smile from Westbrook.

The New York Times - Sports

She gave an impatient order to her Filipino maid and then spread her arms wide with a great curious smile and embraced me.

The Guardian - Film

With a curious smile, he beds his friend, scarfs down ice-cream sundaes and performs a serviceable cover of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" — an act that makes him a minor rock god among the youths who haunt Harvard Square.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Patient, grateful, curious, nice smile.

The New York Times - Arts

Most onlookers stand rooted for some time, surprised and curious; many smile.

The Economist

They have much else to worry about.In this section France's curious new smile Tongue-tied Bunny business Hope at the polls?

The Economist

He had refused to discuss an ethnic swap, he said, and called it "a disgrace".In this section France's curious new smile Tongue-tied Bunny business Hope at the polls?

The Economist

The October election called by Mrs Plavsic to purge the Serb Republic's hardline-dominated parliament may not take place at all.In this section Watch that tactician France's curious new smile Tongue-tied Bunny business Hope at the polls?

The Economist

The longer I looked at Osborne standing like an inverted Y with that curious thin-lipped smile, the more I thought he should be holding a guitar and wearing an outsize pair of glasses.

The Guardian - Opinion

I hope we see their smiling curious faces on our TV screens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curious smile" to subtly indicate someone is intrigued or pondering something, adding depth to character descriptions and narrative tension.

Common error

Avoid using "curious smile" repetitively within a short span, as it can lose its impact. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or alternative expressions to keep the writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious smile" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to provide detail about a character's expression. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a smile tinged with interest or intrigue, suggesting someone is pondering or inquisitive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "curious smile" is a grammatically sound and relatively rare expression used to describe a smile that indicates interest, intrigue, or a desire to learn more. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase primarily found in news and media contexts. While "curious smile" is suitable for formal and informal writing, it's important to use it judiciously and consider synonyms like "intrigued smile" or "puzzled grin" to avoid repetition and maintain writing freshness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrigued smile

Focuses on the smile reflecting a sense of fascination or heightened interest.

puzzled grin

Emphasizes the smile stemming from confusion or a lack of understanding.

inquisitive smile

Highlights the smile's role in expressing a desire for more information or understanding.

bemused smile

Conveys a smile tinged with amusement and mild confusion.

questioning smile

Suggests the smile accompanies a sense of inquiry or doubt.

knowing smile

Indicates the smile implies secret knowledge or understanding.

enigmatic smile

Highlights the mysterious or inscrutable quality of the smile.

perplexed smile

Focuses on the smile arising from bewilderment or uncertainty.

speculative smile

Emphasizes the smile reflecting contemplation or conjecture.

thoughtful smile

Conveys the smile accompanies a period of consideration or reflection.

FAQs

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

You can use "curious smile" to describe someone's expression when they are intrigued or interested in something. For instance, "She gave him a "curious smile", as if she knew more than she let on."

What are some alternatives to "curious smile"?

You can use alternatives like "intrigued smile", "puzzled grin", or "inquisitive smile" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "curious smile" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly formal, it is a standard and readily understood expression. However, the suitability depends on the overall tone and style of the piece.

What does a "curious smile" typically imply?

A "curious smile" typically suggests a mix of interest, slight amusement, and a desire for more information. It often indicates someone is pondering something or finds a situation intriguing.