how interesting

USAGE SUMMARY

"how interesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you find something interesting or surprising. For example, "I just read that the singer won four Grammy awards - how interesting!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How interesting".

The New York Times - Arts

Woman: How interesting!

The New York Times - Books

How interesting!" she exclaims.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How interesting, I thought then.

The New York Times - Books

How interesting are the feet;.

The New Yorker

"How interesting," I said coldly.

The New York Times - Tech

"How interesting," the woman said.

The New Yorker

How interesting would that be?

The Guardian - Sport

"How interesting," said the Red Cap.

The New Yorker

So that goes to show you how interesting this is".

The New Yorker

How interesting, and how perceptive that answer was.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how interesting" to express genuine curiosity or polite interest in a conversation. It's versatile and fits both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "how interesting" excessively, as it can sound insincere or monotonous. Vary your responses with other expressions of interest or surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how interesting" primarily functions as an exclamatory interjection. It expresses a reaction to information, events, or ideas that the speaker finds intriguing or noteworthy. It often serves as a polite conversational filler, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how interesting" is a versatile phrase used to express mild interest, surprise, or intrigue. It's grammatically correct and common in both spoken and written English, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its tone and context are important, as it can also convey sarcasm. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is widely used and understood, making it a valuable addition to your communication toolkit. However, overuse should be avoided to maintain sincerity and engagement. Consider alternatives such as "that's fascinating" or "that's intriguing" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i find that interesting

Directly expresses personal interest.

that's fascinating

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the subject.

that's intriguing

Highlights the mysterious or puzzling quality of the subject.

that piques my interest

Suggests a sudden and sharp stimulation of curiosity.

that's remarkable

Stresses the exceptional or noteworthy aspect.

that's quite curious

Highlights the odd or peculiar nature of the subject.

that's noteworthy

Focuses on the importance or significance of the subject.

what a surprise

Emphasizes the element of unexpectedness.

that's something to consider

Indicates the subject warrants thoughtful reflection.

i never knew that

Expresses surprise and newfound knowledge.

FAQs

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

"How interesting" can be used as a standalone response to something you find intriguing, or as part of a larger sentence. For example, "She mentioned she's learning to fly – "how interesting"!"

What are some alternatives to saying "how interesting"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "that's fascinating", "that's intriguing", or "I find that interesting".

Is it appropriate to use "how interesting" in formal writing?

While "how interesting" is generally more suited for spoken conversation, it can be used sparingly in formal writing to convey a sense of surprise or intrigue, provided the tone remains appropriate. For example, while this approach is more common in "narrative writing", it might be less appropriate for an essay.

Can "how interesting" be perceived as sarcastic?

Yes, the phrase can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or disinterest. The tone of voice and context are crucial in determining the intended meaning.