piquing curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "piquing curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that arouses interest or intrigue in someone. Example: "The mysterious advertisement was effective in piquing curiosity among the audience, leading to increased engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Books

If you raise your hand, a million parallel hands wave back, piquing curiosity about what could exist beyond the surface.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It certainly piques curiosity.

The New York Times

All of these would pique curiosity about any restaurant.

The New York Times - Food

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

The New York Times - Food

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

Dismissed out of hand by predictors before they have a chance to pique curiosity, such possibilities can nonetheless enter the fold when baitier-on-paper prospects fall through.

The Guardian - Film

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

Fans took out their cameras and video recorders and focused them on the man who piques curiosity the way no one else can.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piquing curiosity" to describe something that subtly encourages exploration and learning, rather than a direct call to action. This implies a deeper engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "piquing curiosity" when the aim is to give direct instructions. It's better suited for suggestive contexts where you want someone to explore on their own.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piquing curiosity" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. Ludwig provides examples where it describes the action of arousing interest or intrigue. It's typically used as a subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "piquing curiosity" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe the act of arousing someone's interest. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. It's suitable for neutral and professional registers, conveying a subtle encouragement for exploration. Consider alternatives like "arousing interest" or "stimulating curiosity" depending on the desired nuance. The phrase effectively suggests a deeper engagement, making it a useful tool for writers aiming to stimulate exploration and learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arousing interest

Focuses on the act of generating interest, omitting the specific nuance of curiosity.

sparking interest

Emphasizes a sudden burst of interest, somewhat downplaying the depth of engagement.

stimulating curiosity

Highlights the act of activation, rather than focusing on the gradual increase in interest.

awakening interest

Focuses on bringing interest to life, missing the sense of intrigue.

fostering intrigue

Emphasizes creating a sense of mystery rather than generally stimulating curiosity.

generating excitement

Focuses on producing enthusiasm, which isn't necessarily related to curiosity.

inciting interest

Suggests a stronger call to action than simply prompting curiosity.

kindling curiosity

Focuses on starting a small flame of curiosity, rather than a continuous build-up.

provoking interest

Highlights a reaction to something stimulating, which might not be sustained curiosity.

whetting the appetite

Metaphorically suggests a desire for more, which isn't always directly related to curiosity.

FAQs

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

You can use "piquing curiosity" to describe something that arouses interest or intrigue. For example: "The mysterious advertisement was effective in "piquing curiosity" among the audience, leading to increased engagement."

What are some alternatives to "piquing curiosity"?

You can use alternatives like "arousing interest", "sparking interest", or "stimulating curiosity depending on the context.

Which is correct, "piquing curiosity" or "pique curiosity"?

"Piquing curiosity" is the gerund form, suggesting an ongoing action. "Pique curiosity" would typically be used in a different grammatical structure, such as "to pique curiosity".

What's the difference between "piquing curiosity" and "satisfying curiosity"?

"Piquing curiosity" refers to arousing interest, while "satisfying curiosity" means fulfilling an existing interest or need for information.