a passing interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or superficial curiosity about a subject or activity. Example: "While I have a passing interest in photography, I have never pursued it seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I get why people become interested in rollercoasters and how a passing interest can snowball into a full-blown passion.

Vice

I get why people become interested in roller coasters and how a passing interest can snowball into a full-blown passion.

Vice

Even those who only have a passing interest in language will find it to be an interesting book to own.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Scott's book has no weaknesses; even readers with only a passing interest in the evolution creationism controversy will find the book interesting and useful.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"So often it's just a passing interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So often it's just a passing interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

She has a passing interest in burial and cremation.

The New York Times

Do you have a passing interest in nature?

The Guardian

Rauschenberg takes more than a passing interest in upcoming exhibitions of his work.

The New Yorker

Mr. Tooker has more than a passing interest in good decaf.

The New York Times - Food

The Spanish have more than a passing interest in Latin America, even the Portuguese-speaking bits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing interest" when you want to convey that someone has a light or brief curiosity about something, without deep involvement or commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing interest" when you actually mean to describe a deep-seated passion or long-term commitment. The phrase implies a lack of sustained engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing interest" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase denotes a superficial or temporary engagement with something. Examples in Ludwig show it describing fleeting curiosities in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing interest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a superficial or temporary curiosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for neutral contexts, commonly appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intended meaning of light engagement, avoiding confusion with deeper passions. Consider alternatives like "a casual interest" or "a fleeting interest" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a casual interest

Focuses on the lack of commitment or seriousness.

a slight interest

Emphasizes the small degree of interest.

a fleeting interest

Highlights the temporary nature of the interest.

a superficial interest

Indicates a lack of deep understanding or engagement.

a mild curiosity

Suggests a gentle or subdued form of interest.

a nodding acquaintance

Implies a very basic and not well-developed understanding.

a tentative interest

Suggests an interest that is uncertain or hesitant.

a perfunctory interest

Highlights that the interest is done out of duty or routine rather than genuine enthusiasm.

a detached interest

Suggests an interest that is not emotionally involved.

a surface-level engagement

Focuses on the lack of in-depth interaction or involvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing interest" to describe a brief or superficial curiosity about something. For example, "I have "a passing interest" in astronomy, but I don't own a telescope".

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

Alternatives include "a casual interest", "a slight interest", or "a fleeting interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have a passing interest to"?

No, the correct construction is "have a passing interest in" followed by the subject of interest or a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For instance, "I have "a passing interest" in learning new languages".

What is the difference between "a passing interest" and "a strong interest"?

"A passing interest" implies a temporary or superficial curiosity, while "a strong interest" suggests a deep and sustained engagement with a topic.