this is curious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is curious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing intrigue or interest about a particular situation or observation. Example: "I found an old letter in the attic, and this is curious because I had no idea it existed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Well, this is curious.

Independent

And characteristically he adds: "This is curious".

The Guardian - Books

This is curious, for three reasons.

The Guardian - Business

In a hot country with dreadful television this is curious.

The Economist

This is curious: the Lib Dems are proudly pluralist.

The Economist

"The timing of all this is curious," Mr. Daschle said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

To prevent this, be curious about people.

Harvard Business Review

This was curious, as these are quite different online activities.

The Guardian

This was curious, considering what was happening among the young people in America.

The New York Times

This was curious, as the auditing firm had only just commenced its work.

The New York Times

This was curious, since quite a few of the collections looked a lot alike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is curious" to introduce a point that contradicts expectations or requires further investigation. It signals to the reader that something noteworthy or unexpected has been observed.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, overuse of "this is curious" can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using more precise synonyms like "this is unusual" or "this is unexpected" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is curious" functions as a declarative statement expressing mild surprise, intrigue, or skepticism about a particular situation or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is curious" is a versatile phrase used to express mild surprise or intrigue. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose synonyms like "this is interesting" or "this is unusual" when appropriate. Be mindful of overuse and explore alternative expressions to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is odd

Replaces "curious" with a more direct expression of something being strange or unusual.

this is strange

Similar to "this is odd" but slightly less blunt.

this is peculiar

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for "curious".

this is intriguing

Shifts the focus to the interesting or fascinating aspect of the situation.

this is interesting

A more neutral and general way to express mild interest or surprise.

this is unusual

Highlights the deviation from the norm or expected.

this is remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy or exceptional nature of the situation.

this is noteworthy

Focuses on the importance or significance of the observation.

this is unexpected

Highlights the surprise element of the situation.

this is baffling

Emphasizes the confusing or incomprehensible aspect of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this is curious" in a sentence?

You can use "this is curious" to express surprise or intrigue about something unexpected or unusual. For example, "The data shows a significant increase in sales, but only in specific regions; this is curious."

What can I say instead of "this is curious"?

You can use alternatives like "this is interesting", "this is intriguing", or "this is unusual" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this is curious" formal or informal?

"This is curious" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "this is peculiar" might be preferred in very formal writing.

What's the difference between "this is curious" and "this is strange"?

While similar, "this is curious" often implies a desire to understand or investigate further, whereas "this is strange" may simply express a feeling of bewilderment or unease. "This is curious" is also generally considered less alarming than "this is strange".