pique curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

"pique curiosity" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of arousing or intriguing someone's interest. For example: The new exhibit at the art gallery is sure to pique curiosity with its unusual collections.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

All of these would pique curiosity about any restaurant.

The New York Times - Food

But like her, the boards pique curiosity, challenge one to think and lead to the unexpected.

The New York Times

The new machines — they may pique curiosity stepwise, but will they inspire the great leaps of artistic faith?

The New Yorker

He specializes in "motion control" installations whose aim, he said, is to pique curiosity and inspire a sense of wonder.

The New York Times - Arts

Teaser commercials that began on Friday are intended to pique curiosity for the campaign, which is likely to start in early July.

The New York Times

Blick's ultimate goal was to pique curiosity, start debate and expand understanding, and your discussions suggest it was a job well done.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It certainly piques curiosity.

The New York Times

It is an irregularity that piques curiosity.

The New York Times - Magazine

The salon is more about piquing curiosity, and about conversations".

The Guardian - Books

If for no other reason, Mr. Liebrandt piques curiosity because he affords a glimpse of the London scene.

The New York Times - Food

Jhalak means "glimpse" in Hindi and related northern Indian dialects; something implicitly brief, often tantalising with promise, that piques curiosity to explore further.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pique curiosity" when you want to suggest a subtle but definite stimulation of interest, often by presenting something unusual or intriguing.

Common error

Avoid using "pique curiosity" when you mean to convey simply providing information. "Pique" implies a special, often intriguing, stimulus to interest, not just a basic imparting of facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pique curiosity" functions as a verb phrase where "pique" acts as a transitive verb, taking "curiosity" as its direct object. It describes the act of stimulating or arousing interest. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pique curiosity" is a valid and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the act of stimulating or arousing interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase can be used in diverse situations, it is particularly fitting when describing something that subtly stimulates interest, as opposed to simply conveying information. Understanding the nuances of "pique curiosity" and its alternatives ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaken curiosity

Replaces "pique" with "awaken", suggesting a gentle bringing to consciousness of curiosity.

spark interest

Replaces "pique" with "spark", implying a sudden and energetic awakening of interest.

excite curiosity

Employs "excite" to indicate a heightened state of curiosity.

arouse interest

Uses "arouse" instead of "pique", suggesting a gradual stirring of interest.

stimulate interest

Uses "stimulate" instead of "pique", suggesting a broad encouragement of interest.

stir interest

Employs "stir" to indicate a gentle and subtle awakening of interest.

generate interest

Uses "generate" to imply creation of interest.

ignite interest

Replaces "pique" with "ignite", implying a strong and immediate burst of interest.

intrigue someone

Focuses on the effect on a person, using "intrigue" to suggest fascination.

whet the appetite

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting the stimulation of a desire for more information or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "pique curiosity" to describe something that stimulates interest. For example, "The mysterious advertisement was designed to pique curiosity about the new product."

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

Alternatives include "spark interest", "arouse interest", or "stir interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "pique" someone's curiosity?

To "pique" someone's curiosity means to stimulate or provoke their interest, often by presenting something mysterious or intriguing that makes them want to learn more.

Is "pique interest" the same as "pique curiosity"?

While similar, "pique curiosity" specifically targets the feeling of wanting to know more, whereas "pique interest" is broader and can refer to any kind of engagement or attention.