a specific interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular area of focus or concern that someone has. Example: "She has a specific interest in environmental sustainability and often participates in related community projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Credit unions tend to pay a dividend to members rather than a specific interest rate.

The Guardian - Money

In return, the hedge funds agreed to pay a specific interest rate on the bank's capital.

The New York Times

With such a specific interest, you may also want to contact a tour company that specializes in these regions.

The New York Times

For the graduate with a clear sense of direction, or a specific interest, the choice may be easy to make.

Independent

To prepare for the meeting, each group will research a particular person or group with a specific interest in the outcome, and take that party's point of view.

The New York Times

The appointed artist, Janetka Platun, had a specific interest in this area of work, having previously completed a comparable project for the Scottish Arts Council.

The Guardian

Apart from a few middle-aged investigative journalists with a specific interest in the event, the hidden truth has been of apparent little interest to anyone.

The Guardian

It allows in a very large audience while maintaining a very high degree of concentration for people who have a specific interest in photography.

The New York Times - Arts

Wilt is also an advisor for Club 9, an American investment company with a specific interest in professional soccer teams and claims unparalleled interest in investment in the NASL.

The Guardian - Sport

She notices, too, that increasing numbers of graduate students show a specific interest in cancer research.

Science Magazine

C40 cities have a specific interest in understand how city mayors can use their power to drive climate action.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific interest", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the interest pertains to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific interest" without defining the area of focus. Always provide context to clarify what the interest is specifically related to, preventing reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific interest" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a particular area of focus or enthusiasm. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting targeted engagement or expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Medicine

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific interest" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a particular area of focus or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showing it is suitable for various registers, from scientific to news media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area of interest to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a particular interest" or "a keen interest" can add nuance depending on the intended context. Its prevalence across diverse authoritative sources underscores its wide acceptance and utility in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular interest

Interchangeable in most contexts, it emphasizes the focused nature of the interest.

a special interest

Highlights that the interest is not ordinary, but of particular importance to someone.

a keen interest

Indicates a strong and enthusiastic interest in something.

a marked interest

Shows the interest is noticeable or prominent.

a distinct interest

Emphasizes the clear and individual nature of the interest.

a focused interest

Indicates that the interest is concentrated on a particular area.

a specialized interest

Implies the interest relates to a particular field or skill set.

a pronounced interest

Highlights that the interest is quite noticeable and strong.

a definite interest

Shows a clear and certain interest.

a singular interest

Suggests that the interest is unique or unusual.

FAQs

What does "a specific interest" mean?

The phrase "a specific interest" refers to a particular area of focus or enthusiasm that someone has. It indicates a concentrated interest in a defined subject or activity.

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

You can use "a specific interest" to describe someone's passion or area of expertise, such as, "She has a specific interest in marine biology" or "He developed a specific interest in historical architecture."

Which is more appropriate: "a specific interest" or "a general interest"?

Use "a specific interest" when you want to emphasize a focused area of passion. Use "a general interest" when the focus is broader and less defined.

What are some alternatives to "a specific interest"?

Alternatives include "a particular interest", "a special interest", or "a keen interest" depending on the nuance you want to convey.