in a curious way

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a curious way" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe an action or situation that is strange or unusual. Example: The cat observed the new toy in a curious way, cautiously approaching it before batting it around playfully.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a curious way.

The New York Times

To keep herself entertained in a curious way?

The New Yorker

And, in a curious way, keeps him going.

The New York Times

In a curious way, Craske became part of their romance.

The Guardian - Arts

I do, in a curious way, feel ambushed.

The Guardian - Books

In a curious way, though, it was Aitken's day.

The Guardian

In a curious way, Finke makes the entertainment industry feel better about itself.

The New Yorker

"In a curious way, it's like the war guilt of Germany or Japan.

The New York Times

Demand for lobsters, for example, has evolved in a curious way.

The Economist

In a curious way, this rhetorical challenge has become his subject.

The New Yorker

"But in a curious way that helped – you could concentrate more on the work".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to soften potentially critical statements, making your assessment more palatable by implying a sense of wonder rather than direct judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "in a curious way" excessively, as it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem repetitive. Opt for more specific adjectives or adverbs to convey the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a curious way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a situation exists. It adds a layer of nuance, indicating that something is happening or being perceived in an unusual or unexpected manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a curious way" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express surprise or mild intrigue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also has presence in academic and encyclopedic writings. Related phrases like "in a peculiar manner" or "strangely enough" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey. When employing this phrase, avoid overuse and consider whether a more precise description might be more effective. Remember, it’s about adding a layer of thoughtful observation to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a peculiar manner

Replaces "way" with "manner", emphasizing the style or mode of the action.

in a strange fashion

Substitutes "curious" with "strange" and "way" with "fashion", focusing on the unusual nature.

in an odd manner

Changes "curious" to "odd", highlighting the deviation from the norm.

in an unusual manner

Emphasizes the non-common quality of the action or situation by using "unusual".

in a bizarre fashion

Replaces "curious" with "bizarre", intensifying the sense of strangeness.

in a funny way

Implies the situation is strange but also perhaps slightly amusing.

in a weird manner

Uses "weird" to replace "curious", indicating something unsettling or uncanny.

strangely enough

Shortens the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of something unexpected.

peculiarly

Condenses the phrase to a single adverb, focusing on the characteristic of being peculiar.

oddly

Single-word adverb replacement indicating something strange or unusual.

FAQs

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

Use "in a curious way" to describe something that happens unexpectedly or seems strange. For example, "The old house, "in a curious way", felt more welcoming than my own home".

What are some alternatives to "in a curious way"?

You can use alternatives like "in a peculiar manner", "strangely enough", or "oddly" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "in a curious way" in my sentences?

No, "in a curious way" isn't always needed. It adds a specific nuance of strangeness or unexpectedness. If that nuance isn't necessary, you can omit it for a more direct statement.

What's the difference between "in a curious way" and "in a strange way"?

While similar, "in a curious way" implies more wonder or mild surprise, while "in a strange way" suggests something more unsettling or odd. The choice depends on the specific feeling you want to convey.