Keen interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keen interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong enthusiasm or curiosity about a particular subject or activity. Example: "She has a keen interest in environmental conservation and often volunteers for local clean-up events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Uefa will take a keen interest.

Independent

Mr. Restoin Roitfeld watched with keen interest.

The New York Times

Mr. Machover looked on with keen interest.

The New York Times - Arts

Hoteliers have certainly taken a keen interest.

Independent

So Taiwan's archives have attracted keen interest.

The Economist

Seldom has dullness generated such keen interest.

The New York Times - Tech

Wedgwood also had a keen interest in art.

The New York Times - Arts

C.I.A. officers have maintained a keen interest in him.

The New Yorker

He soon took a keen interest in the financial industry.

The New York Times

(He also had a keen interest in botany and baseball).

The New Yorker

Market watchers are starting to take a keen interest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “keen interest” when you want to convey a sense of enthusiastic, sharp, or active curiosity. It implies more than just a passing thought or casual liking.

Common error

Avoid overusing "keen interest" in contexts where a more neutral or moderate level of interest is appropriate. Reserve it for situations where genuine enthusiasm or curiosity is present. For instance, saying someone has a “keen interest” in filing paperwork might sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keen interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "keen" modifies the noun "interest", indicating a strong and enthusiastic level of curiosity or engagement. Ludwig AI identifies that this phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Keen interest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express strong enthusiasm or curiosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains, making it versatile for both formal and informal writing. Related phrases include "strong interest" and "deep interest", offering nuanced alternatives. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the object of interest and avoid overuse in situations where a more subdued level of interest is appropriate. The phrase is widely recognized and accepted, making it a reliable choice for conveying genuine enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strong interest

Emphasizes the intensity of the interest, focusing on its strength rather than sharpness.

Deep interest

Highlights the profundity and thoroughness of the interest.

Great enthusiasm

Shifts the focus to the feeling of excitement and passion.

Active engagement

Focuses on the involvement and participation aspect of the interest.

Intense curiosity

Emphasizes the inquisitive nature of the interest.

Considerable attention

Highlights the amount of focus and notice given to something.

Dedicated focus

Stresses the commitment and concentration involved.

Earnest involvement

Indicates a sincere and serious level of participation.

Genuine passion

Emphasizes the authenticity and emotional investment in the interest.

Profound investment

Highlights the depth of commitment and resources devoted.

FAQs

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

You can use "Keen interest" to describe someone's strong enthusiasm or curiosity towards a particular subject. For example, "She showed a keen interest in the project from the beginning."

What are some alternatives to "Keen interest"?

You can use alternatives like "strong interest", "deep interest", or "great enthusiasm" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "Keen interest" and "Casual interest"?

"Keen interest" implies a strong, enthusiastic, and active curiosity, while "casual interest" suggests a more relaxed and less engaged level of curiosity. If someone has a "casual interest", they might be only mildly curious.

Is it appropriate to use "Keen interest" in formal writing?

Yes, "Keen interest" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express a strong level of interest. It is widely used in academic and business contexts as seen in the examples.