Has Your Curiosity Been Peaked—or Piqued?

Posted on March 9, 2019 by languageandgrammar

I understand why it’s tempting to use the word peak when describing an excited stage of interest in or curiosity about something. After all, a peak is the pointy top of something, so it’s natural to think of a peak when you think of your interest or curiosity swelling, but saying The story peaked my interest is wrong.

The correct word is pique, as in The story piqued my interest or My curiosity was piqued by his subtle innuendo.

Save the peaks for the mountain tops and lemon meringue pies.

For more common grammar errors, refer to Sherry’s Grammar List.

Sherry

Paul’s book–Literally, the Best Language Book Ever;

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5 Responses to Has Your Curiosity Been Peaked—or Piqued?

  1. onlinemommy says:
    June 8, 2009 at 4:55 am

    Thank you! I learned a new word 🙂

  2. Guy Wingfield says:
    June 30, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Very helpful. Thanks:)

    Who knew?

  3. Bagt says:
    August 27, 2009 at 10:32 pm

    Thanks!! You just saved me an embarrassing moment when writing my Hub on hubpages!!
    whew…..
    http://hubpages.com/hub/treasure-find

  4. affrodite says:
    August 28, 2009 at 9:02 am

    Thanks! I’m forever on the internet trying to check out little grammar things and your post helped me this morning. 🙂

  5. Pingback: 100 Fun & Informative Blog Posts Every Grammar Geek Should Bookmark | Online Universities

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