objects of curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "objects of curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe things or subjects that provoke interest or intrigue. Example: "The museum displayed various objects of curiosity, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern inventions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was at an incredible estate with lots of grand taxidermy and objects of curiosity.

The New York Times

They recall that for many years they were objects of curiosity.

The New York Times

Moscow was shabby, impoverished, and we as independent western tourists were objects of curiosity.

The Guardian

Sometimes he treats them as objects of desire and other times as simply as objects of curiosity.

The New York Times

Hyperpolyglots have been the objects of curiosity at least since the 19th century, when Cardinal Giuseppe Mezzofanti of Bologna was said to have mastered more than 50 languages.

The New York Times

Peace Corps volunteers can be seen as objects of curiosity, and the couple grew weary of neighborhood children staring into their dining room window.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's an object of curiosity.

The New Yorker

He replied: "I'm an object of curiosity, not animosity.

The Economist

But the slain secretary holds enough historic titles to make her an object of curiosity within the CIA.

The New Yorker

My solitariness frequently turned me into an object of curiosity for tourists and my more permanent informants.

Independent

The inspector gauges the experience by whether people steal a glance: "We should be the object of curiosity.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "objects of curiosity" when you want to emphasize the intriguing or unusual nature of items, collections, or subjects that attract attention and spark interest. This phrase works well in contexts describing museums, historical collections, or unconventional studies.

Common error

While "objects of curiosity" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "subjects of interest" or "research areas" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "objects of curiosity" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies items or subjects that evoke interest or intrigue, as shown in Ludwig's examples. This contrasts with subjects of mere utility or necessity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "objects of curiosity" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes items or subjects that are unusual, interesting, or rare. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and effective way to highlight things that pique interest. While relatively uncommon, it is primarily used in neutral to formal contexts such as news and media, as well as in descriptive settings like museums. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "subjects of interest" or "items of fascination". To ensure clarity, reserve "objects of curiosity" for instances where you want to emphasize the intriguing nature of the items you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curiosities

A shorter, more direct synonym.

subjects of interest

Focuses on the area of interest rather than the objects themselves.

items of fascination

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the objects.

things that pique interest

Highlights the act of provoking interest.

matters of intrigue

Suggests a mysterious or complex aspect.

novelties

Implies newness or uniqueness.

unusual items

Focuses on the atypical nature of the objects.

rare artifacts

Highlights the scarcity and historical value.

historical relics

Specifically refers to items from the past.

strange attractions

Emphasizes the odd or peculiar nature of the items.

FAQs

What does "objects of curiosity" mean?

The phrase "objects of curiosity" refers to items or subjects that attract attention because they are unusual, interesting, or rare. They often pique one's interest and prompt further investigation or observation.

How can I use "objects of curiosity" in a sentence?

You can use "objects of curiosity" to describe items displayed in a museum, unusual collections, or subjects of study. For example: "The museum displayed various "objects of curiosity", ranging from ancient artifacts to modern inventions."

What can I say instead of "objects of curiosity"?

You can use alternatives like "subjects of interest", "items of fascination", or simply "curiosities" depending on the context.

Is "object of curiosity" or "objects of curiosity" more appropriate?

"Object of curiosity" refers to a single item or subject that is interesting, while "objects of curiosity" refers to multiple items. The choice depends on whether you're talking about one thing or many.