a special interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special interest" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular topic or area of focus that someone is particularly interested in. For example: - "He has always had a special interest in astronomy." - "The museum has a special exhibit for those with a special interest in ancient history." - "The politician has been vocal about her special interest in education reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lee took a special interest in Jane.

The New York Times

So the manager took a special interest.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't work for a special interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Mr. Lapshyn took a special interest in Muslims.

The New York Times

The Germans have a special interest in Saddam's intentions.

The New Yorker

(Mars is a special interest of Mr. Tito's).

The New York Times - Science

Was it a special interest in backcountry skiing?

The New York Times - Sports

STEPHANIE GOTO has a special interest in food.

The New York Times

Charlemagne took a special interest in exotic species of animals.

The New Yorker

A special interest is devoted to the dynamics of interconversion.

Journal of Chromatography B

Chief Pfiefer has a special interest in the last issue.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating someone's professional focus, use "a special interest" to highlight an area of particular expertise or dedication. For example, "Dr. Smith has a special interest in pediatric cardiology."

Common error

Avoid using "special interests" (plural) when referring to a personal area of focus. "Special interests" often refers to lobbying groups or political agendas, which differs significantly from an individual's area of expertise or passion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special interest" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It designates a specific area of focus, passion, or expertise. Ludwig provides various examples that highlight its role in describing personal interests or professional specializations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special interest" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a particular focus, passion, or expertise. As validated by Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. It is vital to distinguish its meaning from "special interests" (plural), which refers to lobbying groups. Alternatives such as "a particular interest" or "a keen interest" can provide similar nuances. Using "a special interest" effectively involves recognizing its register, ensuring it accurately reflects the speaker's intent and the context of use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular interest

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the interest.

a keen interest

Highlights the enthusiasm and eagerness associated with the interest.

a strong interest

Conveys the intensity and depth of the interest.

a marked interest

Suggests that the interest is noticeable or significant.

a pronounced interest

Similar to "marked interest", indicating a clear and evident interest.

a specific focus

Shifts the emphasis to a concentrated area of attention.

a vested interest

Implies a personal stake or benefit derived from the interest.

an area of expertise

Suggests a high level of knowledge and skill in the area of interest.

a passion for

Emphasizes the emotional connection and enthusiasm.

a preoccupation with

Suggests a dominant or obsessive focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special interest" to describe someone's particular enthusiasm or expertise in a specific area. For example, "She has a special interest in marine biology", or "The company developed a special interest in sustainable practices".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a particular interest", "a keen interest", or "a strong interest".

Is it correct to say "I have special interests" instead of "I have a special interest"?

The phrase "special interests" typically refers to lobbying groups or political agendas, not personal interests. To describe a personal area of focus, it's more accurate to say "I have a special interest in [topic]" or "I am interested in [topic]".

What's the difference between "a special interest" and "a hobby"?

"A special interest" often implies a deeper level of engagement, study, or expertise than "a hobby". A hobby is usually a leisure activity, while a special interest can be a more serious pursuit.