sheer curiosity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer curiosity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means a strong or overwhelming sense of curiosity. For example, "His sheer curiosity led him to explore the ancient cave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

So does sheer curiosity.

The Economist

It seems that commercial interests, greed, and sheer curiosity were the motivating forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Marina Martinez and her friend Susana Fernandez, two tourists from Spain, it was sheer curiosity.

The New York Times

Although the architecture is thrilling, it was probably sheer curiosity that drew the crowds.

The Guardian - Arts

The sheer curiosity element and water-cooler factor are sufficient incentives for viewing.

The New Yorker

When the road seemed long and endless, what often kept him going was sheer curiosity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Out of sheer morbid curiosity, I had to see it.

The New York Times

Out of sheer, unprofessional curiosity, the social worker asked the girl why this was.

The New Yorker

As an artist who depicted the human body, Leonardo wanted to understand exactly how it worked, though sheer scientific curiosity drove him as well.

The New York Times

This is partly to do with the search for origins and founding myths, but it also reflects sheer human curiosity: is this where it all began?

The New York Times - Books

Collins says he was motivated in part by sheer scientific curiosity, to see if he could improve the efficiency of human walking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer curiosity" to convey that someone is motivated by a strong, intrinsic desire to know or understand something, without necessarily having a practical or ulterior motive.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer curiosity" when the motivation is primarily pragmatic or self-serving. The phrase implies a genuine, almost innocent, drive to explore and learn, not a calculated pursuit of personal gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer curiosity" functions as a noun phrase, where "sheer" intensifies the noun "curiosity". It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the primary motivator or cause of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer curiosity" is a correct and commonly used phrase that signifies a strong and genuine desire to know or understand something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI and supported by numerous examples, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, emphasizing the purity and intensity of the inquisitiveness. Remember that alternatives like "pure inquisitiveness" may offer slight differences in emphasis. Avoid substituting it when the motivation stems from practical or self-serving reasons. With these guidelines, writers can effectively leverage the nuanced meaning of "sheer curiosity" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure inquisitiveness

Emphasizes the unadulterated and intrinsic nature of curiosity.

unadulterated interest

Highlights the genuine and untainted nature of the interest.

simple inquisitiveness

Underscores the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of curiosity.

plain curiosity

Focuses on the basic and unembellished aspect of curiosity.

intense interest

Conveys a strong and powerful feeling of interest.

unfettered inquisitiveness

Emphasizes the unrestricted and boundless nature of curiosity.

unbridled interest

Highlights the unrestrained and uncontrolled nature of interest.

absolute inquisitiveness

Emphasizes the completeness and totality of curiosity.

unmitigated interest

Highlights the unqualified and undiminished aspect of interest.

genuine thirst for knowledge

Highlights the intrinsic and sincere pursuit of knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer curiosity" to describe someone's motivation for exploring or learning something new. For example, "Driven by "sheer curiosity", she ventured into the unknown forest".

What's a good substitute for "sheer curiosity"?

Alternatives include "pure inquisitiveness", "unadulterated interest", or "simple inquisitiveness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "out of sheer curiosity"?

Yes, "out of sheer curiosity" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone did something because they were strongly curious.

What's the difference between "sheer curiosity" and "morbid curiosity"?

"Sheer curiosity" refers to a general desire to learn or explore. "Morbid curiosity", on the other hand, is a fascination with death, violence, or other unpleasant subjects.