pique your interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"pique your interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to be interested in something. For example, you could say, "This article about planets piques my interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That will pique your interest.

The New York Times - Sports

And if that's not enough to pique your interest, perhaps the $5 admission will.

The New York Times - Arts

SPEAKING of surveys (see below), here's another that may pique your interest.

The Economist

And to further pique your interest, scrawled across the top of the poster: "There's no time like the present".

The New York Times - Arts

See the Events Calendar for information about upcoming events, guest speakers, and symposia that may pique your interest.

University of California, Berkeley

How could the drink's ingredients, as listed on the menu – "distilled clay, flintstone and lichen" – not pique your interest?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even if you're not so much into BMWs, there might be something else in the collection to pique your interest: Andy Warhol's M1 art car.

The New York Times

And if you have a taste for pork — or, as it's known in bartender circles, the only white meat — well, several events should pique your interest.

The New York Times

If Fey's involvement somehow wasn't enough to pique your interest, the fact that the show's star is Kemper may well do.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If that endorsement isn't enough to pique your interest in Nrityagram, this enchanting company's mastery of Odissi, India's oldest classical dance form, might do the trick.

The New York Times

Hopefully I can pique your interest or continue to encourage you to apply to go study abroad; it's undeniably an unforgettable experience!

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing marketing copy, use phrases like "pique your interest" to suggest the potential for deeper engagement and discovery, enticing the reader to learn more.

Common error

While "pique your interest" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound formulaic. Vary your language by using synonyms like "spark your curiosity" or "grab your attention" for a fresher, more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pique your interest" functions as a verb phrase used transitively to describe the action of stimulating someone's curiosity or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pique your interest" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that means to stimulate curiosity or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. It's versatile enough for various registers, from news articles and academic papers to informal blog posts. While it's an effective phrase, diversifying your language with synonyms like "spark your curiosity" can keep your writing engaging. Major publications like The New York Times and Forbes frequently employ this phrase, cementing its place in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark your curiosity

Focuses more on igniting an inherent desire to know or learn.

arouse your curiosity

Implies a slightly more forceful or deliberate stimulation of interest.

grab your attention

Emphasizes the act of capturing someone's focus quickly and directly.

draw your interest

Suggests a gentle pull or attraction towards something.

entice your interest

Implies using charm or attraction to gain interest.

stir your interest

Suggests a gentle awakening or activation of existing interest.

fascinate you

Implies a captivating and absorbing effect.

intrigue you

Suggests a mysterious or puzzling quality that stimulates interest.

appeal to you

Highlights the attractiveness or desirability of something.

engage your attention

Focuses on actively involving someone's focus and participation.

FAQs

How can I use "pique your interest" in a sentence?

You can use "pique your interest" to introduce something you think someone will find interesting. For example, "This new technology might "pique your interest"."

What's a good alternative to "pique your interest"?

Alternatives include "spark your curiosity", "arouse your curiosity", or "grab your attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "pique your interest"?

While grammatically correct, using "pique your interest" too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. It's best to vary your language and choose the most appropriate phrase for the context. Consider using "draw your interest" for a softer approach.

What does it mean to "pique your interest"?

To "pique your interest" means to stimulate or excite your curiosity. It suggests a subtle way of making something appealing or intriguing, like a mystery novel might "pique your interest".