a slight interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a minimal or low level of curiosity or engagement in a particular subject or activity. Example: "She expressed a slight interest in learning more about the project, but she wasn't fully committed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Knicks have only a slight interest in Roberts, who may be headed to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The New York Times - Sports

I think there might be a slight interest from my kids in that side of things but the complication isn't worth it to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm now going to declare a slight interest, in that since then he's been gracious enough to invite my daughter and I backstage to say hello at gigs.

The Guardian - Music

Through Sunday Anyone with even a slight interest in contemporary photography should go to Dumbo for the New York Photo Festival this weekend.

The New York Times - Arts

"I love that time, with the struggles and the way they got through it all," Mrs. Sorrow said, trying to explain how a slight interest grew into full-blown worship.

The New York Times

That does not mean applying for every vacancy in which they have a slight interest, she suggests, but to study what employers are looking for in roles to which these job-seekers are well matched.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

During World War II, the revival of Pan-Slavism under Joseph Stalin and the Russian threat to Turkish autonomy brought a renewed, though slight, interest in Pan-Turkism among some Turks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At occurrences of even slight interest, a forest of boom mikes converged, while video cameras pointed here and there promiscuously.

The New Yorker

"Not only will you be less likely to be late with a payment, but many lenders offer slight interest rate reductions as an incentive".

Huffington Post

More important, while these justices might conceivably have had a slight pecuniary interest, we find it impossible to characterize that interest as " 'direct, personal, substantial, [and] pecuniary.' " Ward, supra, at 60 (quoting Tumey, supra, at 523).

Harvard University

The bosses fight among themselves about whether to pay a ransom, and the thieves come under the scrutiny of a suave insurance investigator, Finch (Lambert Wilson), who shows a slight romantic interest in Laura, whose relationship with Hobbs ruptures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight interest" when you want to convey a mild or understated level of curiosity or engagement, without implying strong enthusiasm or commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight interest" when the context implies a deeper or more active involvement. Opt for stronger terms like "keen interest" or "strong interest" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight interest" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a minimal level of curiosity or engagement in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight interest" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that conveys a minimal level of curiosity or engagement. It's suitable for expressing a low degree of enthusiasm without implying active participation. While frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase is best used when understatement is desired, and writers should avoid it when a stronger expression of interest is warranted. Alternatives include "a mild curiosity" or "a passing fancy", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mild curiosity

Indicates a gentle or subdued form of interest, suggesting a casual level of engagement.

a casual interest

Implies a relaxed and informal engagement, often without serious intent or purpose.

a nascent interest

Similar to 'budding interest' but more formal, implying an interest in its early stages of development.

a passing fancy

Suggests a fleeting and superficial interest, lacking depth or long-term commitment.

a budding interest

Suggests an interest that is just beginning to develop and grow, implying potential for future engagement.

a limited enthusiasm

Conveys a constrained level of excitement or passion, suggesting a lukewarm response.

a restrained interest

Highlights a controlled or suppressed form of interest, possibly due to external factors or personal reservations.

a hesitant interest

Suggests uncertainty or reluctance in expressing interest, potentially stemming from doubt or apprehension.

a tepid interest

Indicates a lack of fervor or intensity, suggesting a lukewarm or indifferent attitude.

a surface interest

Implies engagement limited to the superficial aspects, lacking deeper exploration or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight interest" to describe a minimal level of curiosity or engagement. For example, "She showed "a slight interest" in the project, but wasn't fully committed".

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

You can use alternatives like "a mild curiosity", "a passing fancy", or "a casual interest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight interest" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight interest" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to accurately depict a minimal level of engagement without exaggerating the sentiment.

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

"A slight interest" implies a minimal level of curiosity or engagement, while "a strong interest" indicates a significant level of enthusiasm and commitment. The former is understated, while the latter is emphatic.