a primary interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the main or most important interest in a particular context or situation. Example: "The research focuses on a primary interest in renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Its embryo bill says that a journalist is someone "who has a primary interest to investigate events and procure material", informing the public through interviews and observation.

The Guardian

In the show's earliest pictures, he's learning the ropes of on-board service, while photographing — always a primary interest — as he went.

The New York Times - Arts

If retaining conservation value is a primary interest for a landowner, then it is relatively straightforward to sell the development rights on the land.

The Economist

And, of course, a primary interest in having photographs of well-known beauties to look at over the years is seeing just how well or badly they negotiate the shame of ageing.

The Guardian

Mr. Cheney had long played a leading role in economic policy, though housing was not a primary interest, and like Mr. Bush he had a deep aversion to government intervention in the market.

The New York Times

He is an experienced organisational change agent with senior management experience in implementing successful change initiatives within the local government sector, with a primary interest in emerging uses of new media and "social" strategies to deliver public service transformation and social innovation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ethical guidelines have focussed much more on research than on innovative care, because we assume that people need greater protection from an investigator, whose primary interest is knowledge, than from a clinician, whose primary interest is a patient's well-being.

The New Yorker

Mr. Master warned that customers would suffer if the lines were bought by a business whose primary interest is to "repay investors and turn the quick buck by cutting costs -- read: jobs and infrastructure investment".

The New York Times

Here the use of biblical allusion is not symbolism or metaphor, which are both rhetorical techniques for enriching a narrative whose primary interest does not rest with the larger resonances of the Bible.

The New York Times - Books

Leon and Kolstad [ 31] report a lack of primary interest in medicine among medical school entrants.

Human Resources for Health

As stressed by Schmitz-Dräger et al (2000), standardisation of p53 immunolabelling is a matter of primary interest.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary interest", clearly define what that interest is within the context of your writing to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "conservation is a primary interest", specify "conservation of biodiversity is a primary interest".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a primary interest" without providing specific details about the interest itself. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, vary your language and use synonyms like "key focus" or "main concern" to add nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary interest" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the main concern, focus, or motivation in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically modifying a subject to indicate its chief objective or area of attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary interest" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the main focus or concern in various contexts, ranging from scientific studies to news reporting. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely understood. While frequently used in science and news media, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a key focus" or "a main concern" can add nuance. Remember to clearly define the interest and vary your language for a more impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central concern

Emphasizes the importance of the interest being at the core of the matter.

a key focus

Highlights that the interest is a major point of attention.

a major priority

Indicates that the interest is of high importance and requires immediate attention.

a principal focus

Highlights that the interest is a main point of attention.

a chief concern

Emphasizes that the interest is the most important worry or focus.

a leading interest

Suggests the interest guides or directs actions or thoughts.

a prime interest

Indicates the interest is of the highest quality or rank.

a predominant interest

Suggests the interest is the most noticeable or prevalent.

a foremost interest

Indicates the interest comes first in order or importance.

a paramount concern

Emphasizes the supreme importance of the interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a primary interest" to indicate the main focus or concern in a particular situation. For example, "A primary interest of the study is to determine the effectiveness of the new treatment."

What are some alternatives to saying "a primary interest"?

You can use alternatives like "a key focus", "a main concern", or "a major priority" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "primary interest" or "main interest"?

Both "primary interest" and "main interest" are acceptable, but "primary interest" often implies a foundational or fundamental concern, while "main interest" simply indicates the most significant one. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a primary interest" differ from "a secondary interest"?

"A primary interest" refers to the most important or fundamental concern, while "a secondary interest" refers to a less important or subordinate concern. Conflicts can arise when secondary interests unduly influence decisions related to "a primary interest".