Meaning & use
how interesting
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that you find something fascinating or worth paying attention to.
Grammar: Stands alone as a reaction or comment; it is not part of a longer sentence.
Patterns
- How interesting!
- How interesting that ...
You met a Nobel Prize winner on the train? How interesting!
How interesting that the two paintings were made in the same year.
She told me about her research on bees. How interesting, I thought.
phrasefixed phraseinformaldisapproving
Used sarcastically to show that you do not really care or are not impressed.
Grammar: Often said with a flat or drawn-out tone; the sarcasm is carried by the voice, not the words.
Patterns
- How interesting.
- Well, how interesting.
He told me his new phone has 12 cameras. How interesting.
How interesting that you forgot your wallet again when the bill arrived.
Common combinations
- How interesting!
- How interesting! I never knew that about her.
- How interesting that ...
- How interesting that they both chose the same topic.
- Well, how interesting.
- Well, how interesting. I suppose you'll tell me more later.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fascinating
- Fascinating is a stronger, more sincere adjective; 'how interesting' can be neutral or sarcastic.
- that's interesting
- A more common, less exclamatory way to react; 'how interesting' sounds slightly more formal or ironic.
Opposites
Commonly confused: how interesting or interesting how?
how interesting vs interesting how
'Interesting how' introduces a clause (e.g., 'It's interesting how she solved it'), while 'how interesting' is a standalone reaction.
Practice
In which situation would 'How interesting' most likely be sarcastic?
Choose one answer.
Sarcastic 'How interesting' often responds to something trivial or boastful. The other options describe genuinely fascinating or impressive things, where the phrase would be sincere.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “how interesting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.