acute interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"acute interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone is exhibiting a very sharp or intensive interest in something. For example: "John expressed an acute interest in learning about quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We both have an acute interest in defining and defending privacy".

The Guardian

So Mr. Collins has watched the Brittney Griner affair with acute interest.

The New York Times

The most striking instance of Homer's exploration of the emotional effect of poetry also shows an acute interest in how familiar tales can have unexpected effects.

The Guardian - Books

As the conflict inside the Picasso Museum started to spill into the media, the French state took an acute interest in its problems.

The Guardian - Arts

But others, like the Justice Department and a number of state attorneys general, have taken an acute interest in the proposed book settlement that Google negotiated over its right to scan millions of books, many of them out of print.

The New York Times

Argentina's Vaca Muerta field, a potentially rich trove of oil- and gas-bearing shale rock, has drawn acute interest from multinational energy companies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

All this had the effect, observers agreed, of sustaining acute public interest in the film.

The New York Times

The number of cases brought against doctors in New York has increased more than 18percentt in the last five years, during a time of acute national interest in reducing medical errors.

The New York Times

They hope the resulting pain is so acute that interest groups from hospital administrators to welfare mothers will pressure Mr. Pataki to bargain with them on a multi-billion-dollar supplemental budget.

The New York Times

Given the acute postwar interest in punishing collaborators (illustrated by Gran's own story), this total absence of corroborating testimony makes it unlikely to be true.

The New York Times - Books

Such a role is also in Qatar's acute self-interest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute interest" to describe a situation where someone is not just casually interested but deeply and intently focused on something. It suggests a high degree of engagement and attention.

Common error

Avoid using "acute interest" when describing a mild or casual interest. "Acute" implies a high level of intensity and focus, so reserve this phrase for situations where the interest is genuinely strong and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute interest" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "acute" modifies the noun "interest", intensifying its meaning. It is used to describe a state of heightened attention or concern, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acute interest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a strong and intense focus on something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for situations where the level of interest is genuinely high. Alternatives like "keen interest" or "intense interest" can be used for similar meanings. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for conveying a sense of deep engagement or concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen attention

Replaces "interest" with "attention", focusing on the act of paying close heed.

strong curiosity

Highlights the inquisitive aspect of interest.

intense concern

Shifts the focus to worry or solicitude rather than simple interest.

deep fascination

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the subject.

marked attentiveness

Uses a more formal tone to indicate careful observation.

sharp focus

Concentrates on the targeted nature of the interest.

great eagerness

Highlights the enthusiasm associated with the interest.

heightened awareness

Indicates an elevated level of consciousness or understanding.

serious consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtful and deliberate aspect of the interest.

burning desire

Conveys a powerful and compelling longing.

FAQs

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

You can use "acute interest" to describe someone's strong focus or attention on a particular subject. For example, "The scientist showed an "acute interest" in the new research findings".

What's a good substitute for "acute interest"?

Alternatives to "acute interest" include "keen interest", "intense interest", or "strong interest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "acute interest" in formal writing?

Yes, "acute interest" is appropriate for formal writing. It's often found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What is the difference between "acute interest" and "casual interest"?

"Acute interest" implies a deep and intense focus, whereas "casual interest" suggests a more superficial or passing curiosity. The former indicates a strong level of engagement, while the latter suggests a lighter level of involvement.