curious timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or event that happens at an unexpected or unusual time. It can also imply that there may be a hidden or unexplained reason for the timing of the event. Example: "The company's sudden announcement of layoffs on the day before the holiday break raised many eyebrows and sparked speculation about their curious timing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was curious timing and he considered not answering.

The New Yorker

The Dubai police took notice of this curious timing.

The New Yorker

The strategy is working, and with curious timing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Cuban's lawyers will most likely highlight the curious timing of Mr. Fauré's additional testimony.

The New York Times

For another season, he will be handcuffed by Johan Santana's and Jason Bay's bloated contracts, creating curious timing.

The New York Times - Sports

"But certainly the curious timing of her sale has raised some eyebrows, and we're digging a little deeper".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Perhaps the most curious thing is the timing: much of the currency-market skulduggery happened after the banks had already come under investigation for LIBOR.

The Economist

THE Vietnamese certainly have a curious sense of timing.

The Economist

It is possible to sympathize with Eva and also to marvel at her curious sense of timing.

The New York Times

Most importantly, in her autobiographical accounts of her political activity, there are some curious discrepancies in timing.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Harris and other Republicans said they were curious about the timing of the article, criticizing Mr. Davis but stopping short of linking him to it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "curious" – it's less accusatory than "suspicious" but more suggestive than "interesting."

Common error

Avoid using "curious timing" when the situation warrants a more direct expression of suspicion, such as "suspicious timing" or "questionable timing". "Curious" can sometimes dilute the intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious timing" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically serves to highlight an unexpected or questionable aspect of when an event occurs. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "curious timing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate surprise or suspicion about the moment something happens. According to Ludwig, the phrase is typically employed to describe a situation or event that occurs at an unexpected or unusual time, implying a potential hidden reason. It finds frequent use in news and media, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "strange timing" or "interesting timing" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using this phrase, be aware of potentially diluting the meaning if a stronger term like "suspicious timing" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interesting timing

Replaces "curious" with a more neutral adjective, suggesting mild interest rather than suspicion.

strange timing

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of the timing.

odd timing

A simpler synonym for "strange", conveying a similar sense of something not quite right.

unusual timing

Focuses on the atypical nature of the timing, lacking the connotation of suspicion.

peculiar timing

Highlights the slightly eccentric or unconventional nature of the timing.

remarkable timing

Suggests the timing is noteworthy or significant, potentially in a positive way.

noteworthy timing

Highlights the significance of the timing, implying it deserves attention.

questionable timing

Directly implies that the timing is suspicious or raises doubts.

suspicious timing

Strongly suggests the timing is suspect and may be indicative of wrongdoing.

inopportune timing

Indicates the timing is unsuitable or inconvenient.

FAQs

What does "curious timing" mean?

The phrase "curious timing" refers to the occurrence of an event at an unexpected or unusual time, often suggesting that there may be an underlying or unexplained reason for it.

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

You can use "curious timing" to express surprise or suspicion about the moment something happens. For example: "The announcement of his resignation, given the ongoing investigation, had a "strange timing"."

What are some alternatives to "curious timing"?

Alternatives to "curious timing" include "interesting timing", "strange timing", "odd timing", or "unusual timing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "curious timing" or "suspicious timing"?

The choice between "curious timing" and "suspicious timing" depends on the context. "Curious timing" implies surprise and a desire for more information, while "suspicious timing" suggests a stronger belief that something is amiss. For example, you might describe a coincidence as having "curious timing", but a sudden change in someone's alibi as having "suspicious timing".