object of intrigue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object of intrigue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that captures interest or curiosity, often in a mysterious or fascinating way. Example: "The ancient artifact discovered in the ruins became the object of intrigue for historians and archaeologists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To what extent are researchers an object of intrigue to which "subjects" consciously or subconsciously respond?

Harvard University

She's not the object of intrigue, she's a participant in it.

HuffPost

Dudley's principal object of intrigue was the removal of William Phips as Massachusetts governor, something he did not hide from the colony's agents.

Wikipedia

I view the thing as half object of intrigue, half handcuff: while the data it collects (on everything from steps walked to sleep patterns) is interesting, it seems like such a lot of work to scroll through it all.

Huffington Post

In nature and on the table, quite apart from its direct link to human survival, food has been an object of intrigue featured prominently in art throughout history.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If you haven't heard of them before - they're the band of mostly amateur archaeologists who scour the Thames' edges at low tide for objects of intrigue and antiquity.

BBC

The camera then focuses on the object of his intrigue: the mattress.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Since the second world war it has been the object of political intrigue by the Iranians, the Saudis, the Russians and the Chinese – not to mention the British, the Americans, the French and the Egyptians.

The Guardian

He became the object of Turkish intrigues and in February 1713 had to fight a regular battle, the kalabalik of Bender (modern Bendery, Moldova), to avoid a plot to deliver him into the hands of Augustus of Saxony, now restored in Poland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a writer, it's a picture I haven't owned up to; that "diversity" and topics of "race" have become the shallow objects of journalistic intrigue.

Vice

But I do view Mary as an object of mystery and intrigue, especially because of her standing as a mortal who has given birth to something divine".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "object of intrigue" when you want to convey that something or someone is not just interesting, but also has an element of mystery or complexity that draws attention.

Common error

Avoid using "object of intrigue" to describe things that are merely interesting or attractive. This phrase implies a deeper, more complex allure. For example, do not say "The new car was an object of intrigue" if you simply mean it looked nice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of intrigue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As suggested by Ludwig AI, it denotes something that sparks interest and curiosity, often with an element of mystery or fascination. Examples include describing historical figures, artifacts, or situations that captivate attention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "object of intrigue" effectively conveys that something or someone is captivating due to an inherent mystery or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal and informal contexts, although it's primarily seen in writing. While alternatives like "source of fascination" or "focus of curiosity" exist, "object of intrigue" emphasizes a captivating mystery. As a tip, ensure that when you use it, it applies to something genuinely mysterious, and not just mildly interesting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus of curiosity

Stresses the desire to know or learn more about something.

source of fascination

Focuses more on the captivating aspect rather than the mysterious element.

point of captivation

Highlights the element of being charmed or attracted.

locus of fascination

Similar to source of fascination, but more formal and emphasizes a specific place or thing.

center of attention

Emphasizes being noticed or observed, differing from inherent interest.

enigma

Highlights the mysterious and puzzling nature.

subject of speculation

Highlights uncertainty and guessing, rather than inherent captivation.

puzzle

Suggests something that needs solving or understanding.

matter of interest

A broader term, lacking the intensity or mystery of "object of intrigue".

topic of discussion

Focuses on conversation and analysis, rather than inherent interest.

FAQs

How can I use "object of intrigue" in a sentence?

The phrase "object of intrigue" describes something or someone that sparks curiosity and fascination. For instance, "The ancient artifact discovered in the ruins became the object of intrigue for historians".

What are some alternatives to "object of intrigue"?

You can use alternatives such as "source of fascination", "focus of curiosity", or "center of attention" depending on the context.

Is "object of intrigue" formal or informal?

The phrase "object of intrigue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in writing and speeches than in casual conversation.

What does "object of intrigue" imply?

The phrase implies that something or someone is not only interesting but also mysterious or complex, capturing attention in a way that goes beyond simple curiosity.