a big interest

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The DUP has a big interest in encouraging this illusion.

The Guardian

The public has a big interest in banks' books now, too.

The Economist

Germany has a big interest in supporting it," Mr. Kater said.

The New York Times

Microsoft has a big interest in making the Internet a safer place.

The New York Times - Tech

"Where there are big public works, the 'Ndrangheta has a big interest".

The New York Times

AT&T, as the biggest cable company, had a big interest in cable modems' success.

The New York Times

When they start demanding a big interest rate premium, that's a sign of fear.

The New York Times

Though SOPA itself does not affect them, they have a big interest in fighting any kind of intellectual-property infringement.

The Economist

Munich Re is more diversified, with a big interest in primary insurance, which tends to be more stable than reinsurance.

The Economist

Boringly, we'll go to the theatre together, and film is a big interest we share, particularly old British films.

Independent

"What I know is everyone in the club has a big interest in finding a solution for this.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a big interest", ensure it aligns with the context. While widely accepted, consider stronger alternatives like "a keen interest" or "a significant interest" for greater precision and impact depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a big interest" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound less professional than alternatives like "a considerable interest" or "a substantial investment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big interest" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as being of significant importance or appeal to someone. Ludwig indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and appropriate in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big interest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a significant level of curiosity, enthusiasm, or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts. While widely accepted, it's important to consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "a strong interest" or "a keen interest" for enhanced impact. Overusing "a big interest" in formal settings can be avoided by opting for alternatives like "a considerable interest". Always tailor your choice to fit the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong interest

Replaces "big" with "strong", indicating a potent level of interest.

a keen interest

Uses "keen" to suggest an enthusiastic and sharp interest.

a great interest

Substitutes "big" with "great", implying a considerable level of interest.

a significant interest

Replaces "big" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the interest.

a substantial interest

Employs "substantial" to highlight the considerable size or importance of the interest.

a marked interest

Uses "marked" to indicate a noticeable or distinct interest.

a pronounced interest

Substitutes "big" with "pronounced", suggesting a clear and evident interest.

a developing interest

Suggests an interest that is growing or evolving over time.

a growing interest

Similar to "developing interest", but emphasizes the increase in interest.

an abiding interest

Uses "abiding" to describe an interest that is lasting or enduring.

FAQs

What does "a big interest" mean?

The phrase "a big interest" indicates a significant level of curiosity, enthusiasm, or concern for a particular subject or activity. It suggests that someone is genuinely engaged and invested in something.

What can I say instead of "a big interest"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong interest", "a keen interest", or "a great interest" to express a similar sentiment with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "a big interest in"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a big interest in". It's often followed by the subject or activity that the person is interested in, such as "a big interest in history" or "a big interest in sports".

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

You can use "a big interest" in various sentences like, "She has "a big interest" in environmental conservation", or "The company showed "a big interest" in the new technology".