it was curious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was curious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of intrigue or interest about a particular situation or observation. Example: "As I walked through the old library, it was curious to see how many books had been untouched for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So it was curious to see Abercrombie try to persuade its shareholders to move its state of incorporation to Ohio.

The New York Times

In response, the class action said it was curious that Goldman waited until Wednesday to make its offer, after years of complaints.

Huffington Post

It was curious behavior.

The New York Times - Sports

It was curious.

The New York Times - Arts

It was curious to begin with.

The New York Times

"It was curious, like touching another civilization.

The New York Times

It was curious timing and he considered not answering.

The New Yorker

It was curious, whimsical and thoroughly self-defeating.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was Curious Incident that dominated the night.

The Guardian

It was curious, wasn't it, listening to the Budget speech yesterday.

Independent

It was curious, since his indictment and impeachment were based on such routine corruption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was curious" to introduce an observation that seems unexpected or requires further thought. It's a subtle way to express surprise or mild skepticism without being overly critical.

Common error

Avoid using "it was curious" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or explanation to clarify what exactly seemed curious and why. This adds depth and prevents the phrase from sounding vague or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was curious" functions as an introductory clause. It sets the stage for an observation that deviates from the norm, inviting the audience to consider the peculiar nature of the following statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was curious" is a versatile phrase for introducing observations that seem slightly unusual or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct and commonly used. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for a range of situations. When using this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to clarify what exactly seemed curious. Consider alternatives like "it seemed strange" or "it was unusual" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed strange

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of the situation.

it appeared odd

Highlights the peculiar appearance of something.

it felt peculiar

Focuses on a strange or unusual feeling or sensation.

it struck me as odd

Indicates a personal feeling of something being unusual.

it was rather odd

Adds a degree of understatement to the unusual nature.

it was somewhat surprising

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situation.

it was a bit puzzling

Focuses on the confusing or inexplicable aspect.

it raised questions

Emphasizes the element of inquiry or doubt.

it warranted further investigation

Suggests a need for deeper examination.

it seemed noteworthy

Highlights the importance or significance of the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was curious" in a sentence?

Use "it was curious" to introduce something unexpected or thought-provoking. For example, "It was curious that he arrived late, since he's usually punctual."

What phrases are similar to "it was curious"?

Alternatives include "it was strange", "it was unusual", or "it was intriguing", each carrying slightly different nuances of surprise or interest.

Is "it was curious" formal or informal?

"It was curious" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and purpose when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

What's the difference between "it was curious" and "it was interesting"?

"It was curious" implies a sense of mild surprise or something being out of the ordinary, whereas "it was interesting" simply means something caught your attention or piqued your interest without necessarily being unusual.