a specific interest in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific interest in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a focused or particular curiosity or enthusiasm about a subject or topic. Example: "She has a specific interest in renewable energy technologies and their impact on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The inclusion of the misconstrued statement that 'genetics outweighs teaching' is also likely to have drawn commentators who had a specific interest in the role of genetics in education or a vested interested in teaching.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

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

He rejected arguments that they had not notified anyone about the application because their client did not know of any media organisation with a "specific interest in the story".

The Guardian

Tugendhat rejected Schillings' arguments that they had not notified anyone about the application because their client did not know of any media organisation with a "specific interest in the story".

The Guardian

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

Second, there are acceptance challengers who have a specific interest in a speedy construction of the lines (see below).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, follow it with a noun or gerund phrase that precisely identifies the subject of interest. For example, "a specific interest in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using overly broad terms after "a specific interest in". For example, instead of "a specific interest in science", specify the branch of science, such as "a specific interest in astrophysics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific interest in" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a focused and particular area of interest or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific interest in" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a focused area of curiosity or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Found predominantly in scientific and news media contexts, the phrase serves to clearly communicate a particular area of expertise or passion. For more general expressions of interest, consider alternatives such as "a keen interest in" or "a particular interest in". Remember to avoid vague terms and always specify the interest clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a keen interest in

Emphasizes enthusiasm and eagerness more strongly than "specific".

a particular interest in

Highlights individuality and distinction rather than specificity.

a special interest in

Indicates significance or importance beyond the ordinary.

a pronounced interest in

Suggests the interest is easily noticeable or strongly expressed.

a marked interest in

Indicates the interest is distinct and clearly defined.

a notable interest in

Highlights the interest as worthy of attention or recognition.

a focused interest in

Stresses the concentration and narrow scope of the interest.

an acute interest in

Implies a sharp, intense, and discerning interest.

a dedicated interest in

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to the area of interest.

a consuming interest in

Suggests the interest is all-encompassing and occupies much of one's time and thoughts.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific interest in" to highlight a particular area of focus or enthusiasm. For example, "She developed "a specific interest in" marine biology after her research experience".

What's a good alternative to "a specific interest in"?

Alternatives include "a keen interest in", "a particular interest in", or "a special interest in depending on the context".

Is it better to say "specific interest for" or "specific interest in"?

The correct preposition is "in". Use ""a specific interest in"" to indicate a focused area of enthusiasm or expertise.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific interest in"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a focused or particular area of curiosity or enthusiasm, distinguishing it from a more general interest. For instance, "He showed "a specific interest in" algorithmic trading strategies".