captured the interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"captured the interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to signify something has been found to be intriguing or enticing in some way. For example, "The new video game quickly captured the interest of the entire neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Block polymers have captured the interest of scientists and engineers for more than half a century.

University of California, Berkeley

It has also never captured the interest of a majority of social workers.

The Guardian

Quorum sensing has captured the interest of a new generation of scientific researchers.

The New York Times

But Binali appeared to have captured the interest of several jihadi factions across the globe.

The Guardian

The technology has also captured the interest of the Ontario government.

MIT Technology Review

His work also captured the interest of media, such as MIT Technology Review, NBC, Discovery Channel, NewScientist and Wired.

Princeton University

Reducing the Tribal Council has seemingly captured the interest of Navajos more so than the line-item veto.

The New York Times

A new video surveillance system has captured the interest of military authorities after its successful use in the Iraq war.

The New York Times

Finnegan certainly captured the interest and admiration of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize judges, who this week gave him their award for the year's best biography or autobiography.

The Guardian - Sport

"As we help grow the sport in the USA, it is essential to support a match of this quality which has clearly captured the interest of American supporters".

The Guardian - Sport

There was the screenplay she wrote at 17 that captured the interest of a French publisher but never made it to the big screen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captured the interest" when you want to emphasize that something has successfully drawn attention and created a sense of intrigue or curiosity.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "captured the interest" in passive constructions (e.g., "Interest was captured by the film"). Opt for active voice where appropriate (e.g., "The film captured the audience's interest") to make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captured the interest" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct expression. Examples from Ludwig show it describing how various subjects (e.g., block polymers, technology, initiatives) have successfully drawn attention and engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "captured the interest" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that effectively communicates the act of attracting attention and sparking curiosity. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans various domains, including news, academia, and science, showcasing its versatility. While "captured the interest" is suitable for most writing contexts, be mindful of overusing passive constructions and consider active voice for a more dynamic style. Related phrases like "attracted attention" or "piqued curiosity" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on your desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attracted attention

Focuses more directly on gaining notice, shifting from passive interest to active attentiveness.

piqued curiosity

Highlights the stimulation of curiosity, suggesting a more inquisitive engagement.

sparked fascination

Emphasizes a high level of interest that borders on captivation or enchantment.

drew focus

Indicates a concentration of attention on the subject, differing slightly from simple interest.

engaged consideration

Suggests a deeper level of thought and evaluation rather than just initial interest.

stirred enthusiasm

Implies a more active and positive response compared to merely capturing interest.

won over

Indicates a successful effort to convince or persuade, going beyond simply attracting interest.

appealed to

Signifies a match with preferences or values, making it attractive in a specific way.

ignited passion

Emphasizes the arousal of intense emotion or excitement, stronger than just interest.

cultivated involvement

Suggests active cultivation of engagement and participation over time.

FAQs

How can I use "captured the interest" in a sentence?

You can use "captured the interest" to indicate that something has successfully attracted someone's attention and piqued their curiosity. For example, "The innovative design of the product "captured the interest" of many consumers."

What are some alternatives to "captured the interest"?

You can use alternatives such as "attracted attention", "piqued curiosity", or "sparked fascination" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "captured the interest" or "caught the interest"?

Both "captured the interest" and "caught the interest" are correct and commonly used. "Captured the interest" might suggest a more sustained or profound effect, while "caught the interest" implies a more immediate, perhaps fleeting, attraction.

What's the difference between "captured the interest" and "captured the attention"?

"Captured the interest" implies a deeper level of engagement and curiosity, whereas "captured the attention" simply means someone has noticed something. Interest suggests a sustained focus beyond mere awareness.