driven by curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven by curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
For example: "The intrepid explorer was driven by curiosity to discover unseen places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They are driven by curiosity.

The Guardian - Opinion

From a young age, he was driven by curiosity.

The New York Times

They were driven by curiosity, pride and obstinacy.

The New York Times

Most were driven by curiosity and the excitement of discovering lost history.

The New York Times - Books

Micah, now 3, is driven by curiosity, often enraptured by electronics.

The New York Times

Research on quantum mechanics in the first half of the 20th century was driven by curiosity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They set off on adventures unaccompanied, driven by their curiosity, resourcefulness and luck.

The New York Times - Magazine

She had a startling energy driven by a curiosity that was evidently a factor in her longevity.

The Guardian - Film

Etymology driven by idle curiosity should be part of a person's education; now back to Schorr's book.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've been a reader of W since its broadsheet days, when it was driven by the curiosity and often deliciously snippy tongue of its founder, John Fairchild.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Pliny the Elder, driven by his curiosity as a naturalist and his duty as an admiral, sailed south to the stricken town of Stabiae.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "driven by curiosity", ensure that the subject's actions directly reflect their desire to explore or learn. For example, "Driven by curiosity, the scientist embarked on a new research project."

Common error

Avoid using "driven by curiosity" when the primary motivator is something other than a genuine desire to learn or explore. For instance, don't say "driven by curiosity to prove a point" when the actual motivation is to validate a pre-existing belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by curiosity" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the primary motivator behind someone's actions. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "driven by curiosity" is a prevalent and grammatically sound phrase used to portray a strong inclination to explore and learn. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage. It is frequently found in news, media, and science, suggesting broad applicability. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the subject's primary motivation. Consider alternatives like "motivated by inquisitiveness" for nuanced expression. Steer clear of using the phrase to describe actions driven by other incentives beyond the pure pursuit of knowledge. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe their primary motivators.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by inquisitiveness

Replaces "curiosity" with "inquisitiveness", emphasizing the active seeking of information.

propelled by a thirst for knowledge

Uses a more metaphorical expression to convey a strong desire to learn.

guided by a sense of wonder

Highlights the role of amazement and awe in motivating exploration.

led by an inquiring mind

Focuses on the nature of the mind as the driving force.

actuated by a desire to learn

Emphasizes the proactive desire that fuels the action.

fueled by a spirit of exploration

Highlights the adventurous aspect of the motivation.

prompted by intellectual interest

Highlights the intellectual aspect of the motivation.

moved by a yearning to understand

Uses "yearning" to convey a deep and emotional desire to comprehend.

inspired by a passion for discovery

Focuses on the passion and excitement associated with finding new things.

animated by intellectual curiosity

Uses "animated" to emphasize the active and enlivening nature of curiosity.

FAQs

How can I use "driven by curiosity" in a sentence?

Use "driven by curiosity" to describe someone whose actions are primarily motivated by a desire to learn, explore, or understand something. For example, "The explorer, "driven by curiosity", ventured into the uncharted territory."

What are some alternatives to "driven by curiosity"?

You can use phrases like "motivated by inquisitiveness", "propelled by a thirst for knowledge", or "guided by a sense of wonder" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "motivated by curiosity" or "driven by curiosity"?

Both "motivated by curiosity" and "driven by curiosity" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context. Driven suggests a stronger impetus than motivated.

What does it mean to be "driven by curiosity"?

To be "driven by curiosity" means that one's actions and decisions are strongly influenced by a desire to explore, learn, and understand new things. It implies a proactive and inquisitive approach to the world.