“Interestingly enough” introduces a point that is surprising, noteworthy, or relevant in an unexpected way. Some alternatives are conversational, while others suit formal or academic writing.
Natural Alternatives by Tone
- Interestingly
- Curiously
- Notably
- Remarkably
- Surprisingly
- Intriguingly
- What is interesting is that
- It is interesting to note that
- Of interest
- Worth noting
- It is worth noting that
- Unexpectedly
- Perhaps surprisingly
- By contrast
Interestingly
The simplest substitute and usually the least distracting.
Example: Interestingly, the second group performed better without additional training.
Curiously
Best when the point is surprising or puzzling rather than merely noteworthy.
Example: Curiously, none of the participants mentioned cost.
Notably
A formal choice for drawing attention to an important observation.
Example: Notably, the effect was strongest in the youngest age group.
Remarkably
Use when the fact is genuinely striking or unusual.
Example: Remarkably, the building survived the fire with little structural damage.
Surprisingly
Directly signals that the information differs from what might be expected.
Example: Surprisingly, customers preferred the simpler design.
Intriguingly
Fits something that invites curiosity or further thought.
Example: Intriguingly, the two accounts differ on this point.
What is interesting is that
A natural spoken or written transition when you want to emphasize a specific fact.
Example: What is interesting is that both teams reached the same conclusion independently.
It is interesting to note that
A formal phrase, though best used sparingly because it can become wordy.
Example: It is interesting to note that response rates increased after the reminder.
Of interest
A concise formal phrase often used in reports or analysis.
Example: Of interest, the pattern was not observed in the control group.
Worth noting
A natural choice for highlighting a useful detail without overstating it.
Example: Worth noting, the figures exclude temporary staff.
It is worth noting that
A fuller formal version useful when introducing an important qualification.
Example: It is worth noting that the survey was conducted before the policy change.
Unexpectedly
Best when the result or event was specifically unforeseen.
Example: Unexpectedly, demand fell after the price reduction.
Perhaps surprisingly
Useful when something may surprise the reader but you want to avoid overstating it.
Example: Perhaps surprisingly, there was little difference between the two groups.
By contrast
Not a direct synonym, but useful when the interest comes from an unexpected comparison.
Example: By contrast, the smaller firms reported higher confidence.