active interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"active interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an interest that is not just passive, but active. For example, "Her active interest in art led her to pursue a degree in fine arts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Does she have an active interest in the markets?

The Guardian

The cardinal took an active interest in Michelangelo's works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She took an active interest in his business.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It probably starts with an active interest in other people.

The New York Times

He took an active interest in politics as a Democrat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So if you take an active interest in someone, you take an active interest in sharing with them your perspective on what they can do to improve.

The New York Times

Laurence and Harriet took an active interest in community affairs, their church, and various book groups.

The New York Times

The Treasury said he had "withdrawn from any active interest in the firm".

The Guardian - Business

"Now we see a fairly high-income, educated population with an active interest in cultural events".

The New York Times

He continued to take an active interest until August, when his illness forced him to retire.

The New York Times

Have an active interest in people in the industry you want to work in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "active interest" to convey a deliberate and participatory engagement, rather than a passive or casual one. For example, express an "active interest" in local politics by volunteering for a campaign or attending town hall meetings.

Common error

Avoid using "active interest" to describe mere awareness or acknowledgement. "Active interest" implies taking initiative and engaging directly with the subject or area of concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "active" modifies the noun "interest". According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used, indicating a state of engaged and participatory involvement. Examples show it used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "active interest" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of engaged and participatory involvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Related phrases include "keen interest" and "strong interest", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "active interest", ensure it reflects proactive engagement, not just passive awareness. Avoid redundancy by clarifying the specific actions taken to demonstrate this interest. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse communications. By keeping these points in mind, you can use "active interest" effectively to convey deliberate and engaged concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen interest

Replaces "active" with "keen", emphasizing enthusiasm and eagerness.

strong interest

Substitutes "active" with "strong", highlighting the intensity of the interest.

genuine interest

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the interest.

deep interest

Indicates a profound and thorough level of interest.

lively interest

Focuses on the energetic and animated nature of the interest.

earnest interest

Highlights the seriousness and sincerity of the interest.

close attention

Shifts focus to the attentiveness and care given to something.

engaged involvement

Replaces interest with a phrase that emphasizes active participation.

dedicated focus

Highlights commitment and concentrated attention on a specific area.

vigorous pursuit

Emphasizes the energetic and determined engagement with a subject or activity.

FAQs

How can I show an "active interest" in a topic?

Showing an "active interest" involves more than just knowing about something. It means engaging directly, such as asking questions, doing research, participating in discussions, or even contributing to the field. For example, showing an "active interest" in climate change might involve volunteering for environmental organizations.

What's a good alternative to "active interest"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "active interest" include "keen interest", "strong interest", "genuine interest", or "engaged involvement". Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance of active participation or concern.

Is it redundant to say someone has an "active interest"?

While all interest implies some level of attention, specifying "active interest" emphasizes deliberate and participatory engagement. It clarifies that the person isn't merely aware or passively concerned, but actively involved.

How does "active interest" differ from "passive interest"?

"Active interest" implies taking action and engaging with a subject, while passive interest suggests simple awareness or curiosity without direct involvement. For example, someone with an "active interest" in space exploration might attend astronomy club meetings, whereas someone with passive interest might just watch documentaries.