a lively interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lively interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and enthusiastic curiosity or engagement in a particular subject or activity. Example: "She has a lively interest in environmental conservation, often participating in local clean-up events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She took a lively interest in her son's work at Young Turks.

The New Yorker

He took a lively interest in the press's lively interest in him.

The New York Times

True, certain symphonic and operatic maestros take a lively interest in choral music.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite his ill health, he maintained a lively interest in national and world affairs.

The New York Times

Johnson, as usual, took a lively interest in the new thinking.

The New Yorker

He has a lively interest in certain issues, most prominently education.

The New Yorker

In fact, and in what may come as a surprise to her detractors, she takes a lively interest in style.

The New York Times

Mr. Vanska's recordings also attest to a lively interest in contemporary music, again especially of a Nordic cast.

The New York Times

Troupes from as far as India and Japan appeared at expositions in Paris and London, starting a lively interest in folk and ethnic dancing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Other figures of modest prominence appointed before the turn of the century were: Charlton Miner Lewis, our first expert on the Gawain poet; Charles Sears Baldwin, a medievalist who seems to have taken like McLaughlin a lively interest in critical method; and George Henry Nettleton (appointed 1898), our first historian of the drama from the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries.

Yale University

Rod Paige, the Education Secretary-designate, who is also black, will be in charge of the one area of public policy in which the new President has demonstrated a lively interest..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's passions, using "a lively interest" suggests that they are actively involved and curious about the subject, rather than just passively aware.

Common error

Avoid using "a lively interest" when a mild curiosity would be more accurate. Ensure the intensity of the interest aligns with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lively interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "lively" modifies the noun "interest". Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to describe a strong and active engagement in a subject or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lively interest" is a common and grammatically sound way to express genuine enthusiasm and active engagement in a subject or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including news, academic, and general writing. When using "a lively interest", it is essential to ensure the level of enthusiasm aligns with the context and to avoid overstating one's curiosity. Consider alternatives like "a keen interest" or "a strong interest" for subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a keen interest

Emphasizes enthusiasm and eagerness.

an active interest

Highlights the proactive nature of the interest.

a strong interest

Focuses on the intensity of the interest.

a deep interest

Suggests a profound and thorough engagement.

a great enthusiasm

Highlights the positive feelings associated with the interest.

a marked curiosity

Emphasizes the inquisitive nature of the person.

a passionate engagement

Highlights the emotional investment.

an intense fascination

Suggests a captivating and absorbing interest.

a consuming preoccupation

Indicates an interest that dominates one's thoughts.

a heartfelt concern

Emphasizes care and consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lively interest" to describe someone's enthusiasm for a particular subject or activity. For example, "She took "a lively interest" in her son's work."

What's a good alternative to "a lively interest"?

Alternatives to "a lively interest" include "a keen interest", "a strong interest", or "a deep interest", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "a lively interest in" or "a lively interest for"?

"A lively interest in" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. Using "for" is not idiomatic in this context.

What's the difference between "a lively interest" and "a passing interest"?

"A lively interest" implies ongoing engagement and enthusiasm, while "a passing interest" suggests a brief or superficial curiosity.