curiously enough

USAGE SUMMARY

'curiously enough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce something unexpected or surprising. For example: "Curiously enough, the problem was solved by a bystander."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Curiously enough, this hasn't happened.

Independent

Curiously enough, nothing seems amiss at first.

The New York Times

I did it on Mimic, curiously enough.

The Guardian - Film

Curiously enough, this Bog Girl had not.

The New Yorker

The first, curiously enough, is that sentiment is very depressed.

The Economist

Curiously enough, shrimp in other dishes were dandy.

The New York Times

Curiously enough, this might have been for the best.

The New York Times - Arts

Curiously enough, a certain renewal of old verities.

The Guardian

But, curiously enough, he says it may be better that way.

The New York Times

"Curiously enough, Spain wears red and blue, like Spider-Man: they are the Spider-Men".

The New York Times

But he disbanded it last March with, curiously enough, Mr Silver's enthusiastic backing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curiously enough" to introduce a fact or situation that contrasts with what might be expected or previously stated. It adds a touch of intrigue or surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "curiously enough" multiple times in a single paragraph or within a few sentences. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curiously enough" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a sentence or clause by adding a sense of surprise or unexpectedness. It signals that what follows is somewhat contrary to what might be anticipated. As Ludwig AI points out, it introduces unexpectedness or surprise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curiously enough" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce an element of surprise or mild irony. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its frequent use in news and media suggests a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like ""oddly enough"" or ""surprisingly enough"" exist, "curiously enough" offers a unique flavor, inviting the reader to share in the speaker's sense of wonder or slight bewilderment. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oddly enough

Emphasizes the strangeness or peculiarity of the situation.

strangely enough

Highlights the unusual nature of the fact or event.

surprisingly enough

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the information being presented.

unexpectedly

A single word alternative that stresses the lack of anticipation.

remarkably enough

Stresses how worthy of notice the situation is.

bizarrely enough

Implies an extreme level of oddness or unconventionality.

peculiarly enough

Suggests something is distinctly different or unique.

ironically enough

Emphasizes a contradictory or paradoxical element.

coincidentally

Highlights a chance occurrence or unplanned correspondence.

of all things

Expresses surprise or disbelief at the particular event or fact.

FAQs

How can I use "curiously enough" in a sentence?

"Curiously enough" is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce an element of surprise or irony. For example, "Curiously enough, the problem solved itself." or "The weather was perfect; curiously enough, no one was at the beach."

What words are similar to "curiously enough"?

You can use alternatives like "oddly enough", "strangely enough", or "surprisingly enough" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "curiously enough"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct to start a sentence with "curiously enough". It functions as an introductory adverbial phrase.

What's the difference between "curiously enough" and "ironically enough"?

"Curiously enough" introduces something unexpected or surprising, while "ironically enough" highlights a situation that involves a contradiction or incongruity. The former is about surprise, the latter about situational irony.