a fleeting interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or short-lived curiosity or enthusiasm about something. Example: "Her fascination with painting was merely a fleeting interest, as she quickly returned to her original passion for photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But the chocolate ones, you must admit, can sustain only a fleeting interest.

The Guardian

She purposely placed her wedding photos near the front door and (there are some in the bathroom, too) so her customers understand immediately that she is a co-owner with more than just a fleeting interest in their evening.

The New York Times

Of course, the adage "grey is the new black" (often attributed to the Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré or Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons) have been floating around for aeons, representing a fleeting interest, for a season or two, in something other than the dominant aesthetic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many of those 238 scientists no doubt had only casual encounters with PEET and a fleeting interest in taxonomy.

Science Magazine

Charlie Sheen has more than just a fleeting interest in high-end watches.

Huffington Post

How can we keep Haiti from being just a media fad or a fleeting interest for well-intentioned foreign filmmakers?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

There is almost literally nothing of even the most fleeting interest to a child that they did not cover.

The Guardian - Books

Intrigued by a short reference to Steinbeck's fleeting interest in the Alamo that he read about in Jackson J. Benson's definitive biography, "The True Adventures of John Steinbeck -- Writer," Mr. Groneman proposed a conference paper on "John Steinbeck and the Alamo".

The New York Times

But viewers needed to see him evolve into the person Mindy deserves, rather than just being a fleeting love interest, or the subject of seasons-long uncertainty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Without a script, no one had anything to say of even fleeting interest.

The Guardian

Klout tries to capture this fleeting interest and influence and bottle it in a Klout score which varies by topic.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fleeting interest", ensure the context clearly indicates the temporary nature of the interest. For example, specify what caused the interest to fade or change to provide a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleeting interest" when the subject's engagement is more than just temporary. Using it to describe something that actually holds long-term significance can mislead your audience about the true level of dedication or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting interest" functions as a noun phrase, with "fleeting" modifying the noun "interest". It serves to describe the type of interest being expressed, specifically highlighting its temporary nature. Ludwig AI validates that the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting interest" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a temporary or short-lived curiosity or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it indicates a lack of sustained engagement. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the transient nature of the interest and avoid using it for more significant or enduring engagements. Alternatives include "a passing fancy" or "a temporary interest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a temporary interest

Substitutes "fleeting" with "temporary", directly conveying the short duration of the interest.

a short-lived interest

Replaces "fleeting" with "short-lived", emphasizing the brief existence of the interest.

a momentary interest

Changes "fleeting" to "momentary", highlighting the brief duration of the interest.

a transient interest

Uses "transient" instead of "fleeting", indicating that the interest is not permanent.

a passing fancy

Replaces "interest" with "fancy", implying a whimsical and temporary attraction.

a brief fascination

Replaces both "fleeting" and "interest" with synonyms to express a short period of intense attraction.

a superficial interest

Replaces "fleeting" with "superficial", suggesting the interest lacks depth.

a casual interest

Uses "casual" to describe the level of interest as not being serious or intense.

a short burst of interest

Adds the idea of a "burst", meaning a sudden, but short-lived, increase in interest.

a tentative interest

Replaces "fleeting" with "tentative" to indicate the interest is hesitant and possibly short-lived.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting interest" to describe someone's temporary enthusiasm for something, as in "Her fascination with astronomy was just "a fleeting interest", and she soon moved on to botany".

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

You can use alternatives like "a passing fancy", "a temporary interest", or "a short-lived interest" depending on the context.

What does "a fleeting interest" mean?

"A fleeting interest" refers to a brief or temporary curiosity or enthusiasm for something. It implies that the interest is not likely to last for a long time.

Is "a fleeting interest" formal or informal?

"A fleeting interest" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing.