curious to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire to learn or discover something specific about a subject or situation. Example: "I am curious to identify the factors that contribute to successful team dynamics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

My first elephant encounter was in fact rather unexpected; a sneaky trunk peeking around from the back of the kitchen, curious to identify any chopped up pieces of fruit ready for eating.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As curious parties scrambled to identify the source of the account, the user pulled the plug.

The New York Times

As curious parties scrambled to identify the source of the account, the user went silent.

The New York Times

Some warders have their teeth overlapping the tops of their shields, a curious biting gesture thought to identify them as "berserkers": Nordic warriors who went into battle in frenzied states that might have been induced by alcohol or Amanita muscaria, hallucinogenic mushrooms.

The New York Times - Arts

Hence, we are particularly curious in finding QTLs to identify underlying genes for this trait.

Rice

These archaisms seem only to deepen the poetry and enrich the journey we must make to identify with these curious characters.

The Guardian - Film

"It is a curious obsession this need for people to identify Banksy," McCormick told artnet News in an email.

Huffington Post

To further assess the benefit of the ChIn assay for detecting novel mechanisms guiding inflammation, we were curious whether we would be able to identify the recently described role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process.

BMC Biology

Dr Koestler and his colleagues have used this approach to identify and treat the curious moulds that have colonised a collection of drawings by Louis Comfort Tiffany, a famous American glass designer.Conservative instinctsSome people, however, question whether much conservation should be done at all.

The Economist

This is fortuitous, as I'm currently in a warehouse containing many curious Porsches, most of which I'm struggling to identify.

BBC

For better or worse, a curious reader in the information age can usually find a way to identify unnamed people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curious to identify" when you want to express a genuine interest in finding specific information or understanding a particular aspect of a subject. It implies a focused inquisitiveness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "curious to identify" can sound slightly informal in highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "eager to determine" or "interested in discovering" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious to identify" functions as an adjective phrase combined with an infinitive of purpose. It describes a state of being inquisitive with the intention of finding something specific. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious to identify" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express a desire to discover or learn something specific. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and appropriate for various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "eager to determine" or "interested in discovering". While relatively uncommon, its usage is diverse and effective. Always consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey when using "curious to identify".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to determine

Replaces "curious" with "eager", emphasizing enthusiasm rather than simple curiosity.

interested in discovering

Uses "interested" instead of "curious" and "discovering" for a slightly more general sense of exploration.

keen to ascertain

"Keen" and "ascertain" offer a more formal tone, suggesting a focused effort to find something out.

wanting to find out

More informal, replacing "curious" with a direct expression of desire to learn.

desirous of knowing

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a wish to know something.

inquiring to learn

Focuses on the act of asking or investigating in order to gain knowledge.

motivated to uncover

Implies a strong drive or reason behind the desire to identify something.

driven to reveal

Suggests a force compelling one to make something known, adding urgency.

probing to understand

Highlights thorough investigation and seeking of profound comprehension.

searching for clarity

Focuses on the goal of achieving a clear understanding, removing the direct act of identifying.

FAQs

How can I use "curious to identify" in a sentence?

You can use "curious to identify" when expressing a desire to learn or discover something specific. For example: "I am curious to identify the key factors contributing to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "curious to identify"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to determine", "interested in discovering", or "keen to ascertain" depending on the context.

Is "curious to identify" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "curious to identify" may sound slightly informal in some formal contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "keen to ascertain" or "desirous of knowing" for academic papers or professional reports.

What's the difference between "curious to identify" and "interested in identifying"?

"Curious to identify" emphasizes a sense of inquisitiveness, while "interested in identifying" suggests a more general level of interest. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the inquisitiveness or simply the interest.