just curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

"just curiosity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a sense of casual interest or inquisitiveness about something. Example: "I couldn't help but ask about the old abandoned house on the corner, it's just curiosity. I've always wondered what happened to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Just curiosity," I said.

The New York Times - Travel

Is it just curiosity?

The New York Times

Just curiosity, I guess".

The New York Times

Of course, Ephraim is driven by more than just curiosity.

The New York Times - Books

"And it's not just curiosity I see, but resentment".

The New York Times

His interest was more than just curiosity about his former boss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's picked some very key core areas that are not just curiosity-driven research, which is what we often see," he said.

The New York Times

My drawings were just curiosities, sometimes of the scene or of an interesting person.

The New York Times - Tech

In other words, discoveries of secret Negro forebears in the white family tree are more than just curiosities.

The New York Times

The sights, the sounds, the tastes are all just curiosities that I present in an effort to paint the picture.

Forbes

After all, movies started out as just curiosities, little tweaks of amusement projected in their cramp little storefront nickelodeons.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just curiosity" to downplay the significance of an inquiry, suggesting it's harmless or without ulterior motive.

Common error

Avoid using "just curiosity" to brush aside legitimate questions or concerns, as it can come across as dismissive or insincere. Ensure your explanation acknowledges the other person's perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just curiosity" functions as a qualifier to the noun "curiosity", indicating that the interest is simple and without any secondary motives. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Books

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just curiosity" is a common phrase used to express a simple and often benign interest in something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, media, and books. While generally informal, it is acceptable in many contexts. Be mindful of the tone, ensuring it doesn't dismiss genuine concerns. Alternatives like ""mere interest"" or ""simple inquisitiveness"" can provide different nuances. Ludwig's analysis highlights that "just curiosity" serves to downplay the significance of an inquiry, reassuring others of harmless intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mere curiosity

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of ulterior motives behind the curiosity.

simple inquisitiveness

Highlights the quality of being inquisitive without adding complexity.

idle interest

Suggests a casual or non-serious level of interest.

casual interest

Indicates a relaxed and informal level of interest.

passing interest

Implies a brief and fleeting level of interest.

sheer inquisitiveness

Underscores the purity of the inquisitive motive.

unadulterated curiosity

Stresses that the curiosity is pure and not mixed with other feelings.

genuine interest

Highlights the authenticity of the interest being expressed.

academic curiosity

Indicates a curiosity driven by a desire for knowledge.

intellectual curiosity

Highlights the cognitive aspect of curiosity and learning.

FAQs

How can I use "just curiosity" in a sentence?

You can use "just curiosity" to express a simple interest in something without any hidden agenda. For example, "I was asking about your project out of "sheer curiosity", nothing more."

What's a good alternative to "just curiosity"?

Alternatives to "just curiosity" include "simple inquisitiveness", "mere interest", or "idle curiosity". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "just curiosity"?

It's appropriate to use "just curiosity" when you want to assure someone that your interest in something is benign and not driven by any ulterior motives. However, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding dismissive.

Is "just curiosity" formal or informal?

"Just curiosity" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "genuine inquiry" or "sincere interest".