Awaken interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Awaken interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of stimulating or generating curiosity or engagement in a particular subject or topic. Example: "The speaker's captivating storytelling helped to awaken interest in the audience about environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"The goal is to awaken interest in Grass's work, which is often seen as difficult," Mr. Thomsa said.

The New York Times

It was the perfect example of how to do radio, how to introduce or awaken interest in an artist.

The Guardian

LOS ANGELES — The Walt Disney Company, along with the broader entertainment industry, is counting on "Sleeping Beauty" to help awaken interest in Blu-ray DVDs.

The New York Times

As the Tchaikovsky binge continues, the probing pianist Stephen Hough can be counted on to provide fresh insights into the First Concerto, and perhaps Mr. Vanska can awaken interest in the "Voyevoda" Overture.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd put my money on Mr. Rattle's performance of the "Pastoral" Symphony -- coming after works by Bartok and Ligeti, which made the score seem audacious and fresh -- to awaken interest in Beethoven among first-time listeners.

The New York Times - Arts

With his father's papers now in a safe, permanent location, Nile Southern, a writer and filmmaker, said he hoped to publish collections of his work and to awaken interest in his unproduced screenplays.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As an academic I am keen to re-awaken interest in the ancient hunter-gatherer population who lived in Britain before the arrival of farming 6,000 years ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ben Wheatley's A Field In England awakened interest in "folk horror": here is the superb precedent.

The Guardian - Film

Identification of a brilliant blue impurity in an industrial preparation of phthalimide by ICI awakened interest among chemists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Richard Brow, a vice president of the university, said the Saleeby donation had awakened interest among other potential donors.

The New York Times

The story has re-awakened interest in how the Balfour declaration will be remembered on its centenary in 2017.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's prior knowledge and tailor your approach to "awaken interest" effectively. For example, start with a surprising fact or a relevant anecdote.

Common error

Avoid using "awaken interest" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "spark curiosity" or "ignite interest" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awaken interest" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of stimulating curiosity or engagement in a subject. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, such as museums aiming to spark historical curiosity or performances seeking to engage new audiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awaken interest" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of stimulating curiosity or engagement. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news media and scientific publications, suggesting its versatility across different registers. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "spark curiosity" or "ignite interest" to avoid repetition. The key is to tailor your approach to resonate with your audience and pique their curiosity effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Arouse curiosity

Synonymous but slightly more formal.

Spark curiosity

Focuses on initiating curiosity rather than just interest.

Stir interest

Implies a gentle arousal of interest.

Stimulate interest

Implies a more active and forceful generation of interest.

Ignite curiosity

Suggests a more intense and sudden generation of curiosity.

Pique interest

Indicates a slight or temporary arousal of interest.

Cultivate interest

Suggests a gradual and intentional development of interest.

Incite curiosity

Suggests a prompting or encouraging of curiosity.

Generate enthusiasm

Emphasizes creating positive excitement.

Foster engagement

Highlights the promotion of active participation.

FAQs

How can I use "awaken interest" in a sentence?

You can use "awaken interest" to describe the act of making someone curious about something. For example, "The museum exhibit aimed to "awaken interest" in local history among young people."

What are some alternatives to "awaken interest"?

Alternatives include "spark curiosity", "stir interest", or "ignite curiosity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "awaken interest" formal or informal?

"Awaken interest" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for a range of contexts, from academic writing to news articles.

What is the difference between "awaken interest" and "create interest"?

"Awaken interest" suggests that the potential for interest already exists but needs to be brought to the surface. "Create interest" implies building interest from scratch, where little or none existed before.