become interested

USAGE SUMMARY

"become interested" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to describe a change in someone's level of interest in something. Example: As he listened to the speaker's passionate presentation, he couldn't help but become interested in the cause she was advocating for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why did you become interested in matchbooks?

The New York Times

HOW did he become interested in arthropods?

The New York Times

Perhaps then his anesthesiologist will become interested.

The New York Times - Science

How did you become interested in architecture?

The New Yorker

How did you become interested?

The Guardian

Maybe when we're older we'll become interested".

The New York Times - Travel

How did you become interested in theater?

The Guardian

How did astronomers become interested in galaxies?

Nature

She had become interested in orphans.

The New Yorker

How did you become interested in him?

Princeton University

I have become interested in trying LSD.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become interested" to describe a transition in someone's level of interest, often triggered by an event or exposure to new information. For instance, "She became interested in astrophysics after attending a lecture by Neil deGrasse Tyson."

Common error

Avoid using "become interesting" when you mean "become interested". "Interesting" describes the subject that evokes the interest, whereas "interested" describes the person experiencing the interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become interested" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of developing or acquiring interest in something. It signifies a transition from a state of disinterest or neutrality to one of engagement and curiosity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become interested" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the development of interest in something, as supported by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys a shift in focus or attitude. Remember to use "in" as the correct preposition. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "develop an interest" or "take an interest" depending on the desired nuance. Avoid the error of using "become interesting" when describing a person's change in interest, as "interesting" describes the subject that evokes the interest. With its wide applicability and clear meaning, "become interested" remains a reliable and versatile choice for expressing the start of someone's engagement with a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find interesting

Highlights the discovery of something appealing or engaging.

develop an interest

Focuses on the gradual unfolding of interest, implying a process.

take an interest

Emphasizes a deliberate decision to focus on something.

grow to like

Implies a gradual increase in positive feelings and interest.

start to appreciate

Focuses on recognizing the value or worth of something.

get into

Suggests becoming involved or immersed in something.

turn one's attention to

Suggests a shift in focus towards a particular subject.

begin to fancy

Implies a budding attraction or fondness.

acquire a taste for

Implies developing a liking for something that one initially didn't.

get hooked on

Indicates a strong and possibly addictive interest.

FAQs

How can I use "become interested" in a sentence?

Use "become interested" to indicate a change in someone's level of interest. For example, "He "became interested" in photography after receiving a camera as a gift."

What's a more formal way to say "become interested"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "develop an interest in" or "cultivate an interest in" as alternatives to "become interested".

What's the difference between "become interested" and "be interested"?

"Become interested" indicates a change or a process of developing interest, while "be interested" describes a state of already having interest. For example, "He became interested in history" describes the starting point, while "He is interested in history" describes his current state.

Can I use "become interested about" instead of "become interested in"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "become interested" is "in". Using "about" is grammatically incorrect. Always say "become interested in".