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Piquing curiosity: why "peak his interest" misses the mark
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 20:26
Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 20:26English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
It's a malapropism and a homophone error.
Why do people make this mistake?
People make this error because "peak" and "pique" are homophones, meaning they sound alike when spoken, leading to confusion between the two. The word "peak" is more commonly used and understood, which can contribute to the misuse.
What is correct?
The correct phrase is "pique his interest." The word "pique" means to stimulate or arouse curiosity or interest.
Examples of correct usage
- The novel's intriguing cover piqued my interest.
- Her unexpected question piqued his interest in the subject.
- The unique design of the building piques my interest every time I pass by.
Grammar
