actual interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing genuine or real interest in a topic, subject, or activity. Example: "Her actual interest in environmental issues was evident during the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many salespeople feel compelled to recite their canned pitch regardless of the customer's actual interest.

Harvard Business Review

But investors have no actual interest in the earnings stream, just a virtual one.

The New York Times

So despite his endless promises during the primary, Trump is showing no actual interest in self-funding his effort.

The Washington Post

Moreover, even in potentially harmful species, few individuals of potential or actual interest to humans are taken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fatigue damage assessment of multiaxial random loadings is a complex issue and a subject of actual interest in mechanical design.

International Journal of Fatigue

The Truth in Lending Act requires only that consumers be informed about the actual interest rate and total finance charges they are paying.

The New York Times

"It seems like all Guardian sports journalists are martyrs to various ailments - RSI, catarrh, depression, hangovers, no actual interest in what they are watching and so forth.

The Guardian - Sport

What British film needs is not another Thatcher, but politicians who can show an actual interest — or at least politicians whose neglect is benign.

The Guardian - Film

Gradually the anger faded and the mood shifted from despondency to resignation and even to some grudging understanding and actual interest in the prospects for a sale.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

If he is right, and Mr Flaherty's various interventions avoid the collateral damage that would be caused by an actual interest-rate rise, Canada's admirers will have another thing to swoon over.

The Economist

You're paying interest with none of the tax benefits of actual interest so avoid this option if you can.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the reality and sincerity of someone's interest, use "actual interest" to differentiate it from superficial or pretended engagement. For example, 'Despite his claims, he showed no "actual interest" in the project.'

Common error

Avoid implying mere awareness when intending to convey active engagement. "Actual interest" suggests proactive involvement; using it when only awareness is meant can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "actual" modifies the noun "interest". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it adheres to standard English grammar conventions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actual interest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize genuine engagement. It appears across diverse sources, from news media to scientific publications, suggesting broad applicability. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness. When choosing to use "actual interest", remember that it is most effective when distinguishing real interest from superficial or pretended interest. While alternatives like "genuine interest" or "real interest" exist, "actual interest" provides a clear and direct way to convey the sincerity of engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine interest

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the interest.

real interest

Highlights the reality and genuineness of the interest, contrasting with superficial or feigned concern.

true interest

Underscores the veracity and lack of pretense in the interest.

sincere interest

Stresses the honesty and lack of deception in the interest.

authentic interest

Focuses on the unfeigned and original nature of the interest.

earnest interest

Highlights the seriousness and depth of the interest.

demonstrated interest

Implies that the interest is shown through actions and behavior.

expressed interest

Suggests that the interest has been verbally or otherwise communicated.

noticeable interest

Indicates that the interest is easily observed or apparent.

tangible interest

Implies the interest is practical, measurable, or has a real effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "actual interest" to emphasize genuine engagement. For example: "Despite initial skepticism, she developed an "actual interest" in the subject."

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

Alternatives include "genuine interest", "real interest", or "sincere interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "actual interest" when "interest" already implies genuineness?

While "interest" often implies a degree of engagement, "actual interest" explicitly clarifies that the interest is real and not feigned, superficial, or merely polite.

How does "actual interest" differ from "potential interest"?

"Actual interest" refers to an existing state of engagement, while "potential interest" describes a possibility or inclination that has not yet fully developed.