intriguing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intriguing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that arouses curiosity or interest. Example: "The documentary presented an intriguing perspective on climate change that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Departs 5 July, 29 July and 12 Aug 2010 Although less accessible than the south, northern Peru is deeply intriguing – pre-Inca archaeological sites are abundant and still being discovered.

The Guardian - Travel

Yet while Santiago offers an intriguing and easy introduction to the country, it is nothing more than an appetizer for the main courses to be found elsewhere.

The Guardian - Travel

It's intriguing that Withers has made his living writing advertising jingles, putting him somewhere in the pages of a pub pop quiz alongside Barry Manilow (whose credits in his early career include songs for Stridex acne fighting products) and Justin Hawkins of the Darkness (everyone from Ikea to Irn Bru).

The Guardian - Music

The intriguing subplot is that West Ham and Everton are locked in a race to qualify for Europe via the Fair Play League.

The Guardian - Sport

More intriguing is the Mag Surf, developed by people in white coats with pockets ostentatiously festooned with pens, which is based on excitingly Back to the Future-type things such as superconductors, and flux tubes.

The Guardian - Film

One-night tours from US$120, catatumbotour.com Colombia is an intriguing mixture of modern cities and remote wilderness, and on this trip you can experience both.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, Fiorentina played out the game with relative comfort, José María Basanta cancelling out Roberto Soldado's early goal to give La Viola the edge before an intriguing second leg in Tuscany.

The Guardian - Sport

This presents us with the intriguing prospect that more of the circumstances of everyday urban life might be managed this way, on a participatory basis, by autonomous neighbourhood groups networked with one another in something amounting to a city-wide federation.

The Guardian

Two intriguing perspectives on NHS white paper developments: Andy Cowper's When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro post and HSJ Editor Alistair McLellan's leader on Stephen Dorrell's "electrifying" - and pretty subversive intervention on the pace of reform.

The Guardian

Here are the five of the most intriguing questions: Related: Robert Durst of The Jinx: 'What did I do?

The Guardian

Given Artaud's well-known misogyny it was an intriguing and ambivalent strategy.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intriguing" to describe something that sparks curiosity and invites further exploration. It's more potent than simply saying something is "interesting".

Common error

While versatile, "intriguing" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "interesting" or "cool" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intriguing" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that arouses curiosity or interest. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where "intriguing" precedes nouns, adding a layer of depth and allure to the description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Arts

2%

Books

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intriguing" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that arouses curiosity and interest. Its usage is considered grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sport, and Travel. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional registers, offering a more sophisticated alternative to simpler words like "interesting". To avoid overuse, consider synonyms like "fascinating" or "captivating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that while it is acceptable to use this adjective, using other words in conversation may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fascinating

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the subject.

captivating

Highlights the ability to seize and hold attention.

interesting

A more general term for something that holds attention.

engrossing

Suggests something that completely occupies one's mind.

enthralling

Implies a magical or spellbinding quality.

alluring

Focuses on the attractiveness and appeal of something.

appealing

Indicates something that is pleasing or attractive.

stimulating

Highlights the invigorating and thought-provoking nature.

thought-provoking

Emphasizes the ability to inspire reflection.

arresting

Suggests something that immediately captures attention.

FAQs

How can I use "intriguing" in a sentence?

You can use "intriguing" to describe something that evokes curiosity or interest. For example, "The plot of the novel was incredibly intriguing." or "She presented an intriguing proposal at the meeting."

What are some synonyms for "intriguing"?

Some synonyms for "intriguing" include "fascinating", "interesting", "captivating", and "alluring". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intriguing" a formal word?

While "intriguing" isn't overly formal, it carries a slightly more sophisticated tone than words like "interesting" or "cool". It's suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts.

What's the difference between "intriguing" and "interesting"?

"Intriguing" suggests a deeper level of curiosity and mystery compared to "interesting". Something "intriguing" piques your interest and makes you want to learn more, while something "interesting" simply holds your attention.