how curious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how curious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or intrigue about something that is unusual or unexpected. Example: "When I found the old photograph in the attic, I thought to myself, how curious it was that I had never seen it before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How curious!

The Guardian

How curious of him.

The New Yorker

How curious are we?

The New York Times

Just how curious is the Curiositorium?

The New York Times

I also will ask, "How curious are you?" Q.

The New York Times

For consider how curious such a result would be.

The Economist

And I think: 'How curious that they both exaggerated three times.

The New York Times

How curious that Aswany should name his fictional English monster "Wright".

Independent

You can never underestimate how curious people are about the C.E.O.

The New York Times

How curious, then, that the recent movies based on their lives should be so similar.

The New York Times

How curious that Tony Stark, that fearless entrepreneur and risk-taker, should submit to bureaucracy.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how curious" to express mild surprise or intrigue, particularly when noticing an unexpected coincidence or a deviation from the norm. It adds a touch of thoughtfulness to your observation.

Common error

While "how curious" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and analytical language to convey your observations.

Linguistic Context

"How curious" functions as an interjection or introductory phrase expressing surprise, mild disbelief, or interest in an unexpected or noteworthy observation. It sets a tone of thoughtful contemplation, as supported by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how curious" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to convey surprise, intrigue, or mild disbelief about an observation. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "how interesting" or "how strange" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly formal settings. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how interesting

Expresses a similar level of intrigue but is slightly more neutral and less suggestive of surprise.

how strange

Indicates more emphasis on the odd or unusual nature of something, rather than simple curiosity.

how peculiar

Highlights the distinctiveness or abnormality of something, often with a slightly negative connotation.

how odd

A more straightforward expression of something being unusual or unexpected.

how unusual

Directly points out the lack of commonality or regularity of something.

how intriguing

Conveys a strong sense of fascination and interest, implying a desire to know more.

that's curious

A statement of observation about the curious nature of something.

isn't that curious

Transforms the statement into a question, seeking confirmation or agreement on the curious nature of something.

how remarkable

Emphasizes the exceptional or noteworthy aspect of something, focusing on its impressiveness.

how extraordinary

Indicates that something is beyond the ordinary, often inspiring wonder or amazement.

FAQs

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

You can use "how curious" to express mild surprise or interest in something unexpected. For example, "How curious that they both arrived at the same time."

What's a more formal alternative to "how curious"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "how intriguing" or "how remarkable" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "how curious"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "how curious" when addressing sensitive topics where your expression of interest might be misinterpreted as insensitive or dismissive. Use more direct and empathetic language instead.

What's the difference between "how curious" and "how strange"?

"How curious" typically expresses mild surprise or intrigue, while "how strange" suggests something is unusual or odd, potentially causing concern or confusion. The latter carries a stronger sense of deviation from the norm.