chief interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"chief interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to what is most important to someone or in a given situation. For example: "My chief interest in attending college was to learn more about history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Merriman's chief interest, however, was politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His chief interest lay in questions of nuance and tone.

The New Yorker

Socializing, rather than swimming, is their chief interest and preoccupation.

The New York Times

Outside her job as Queen her chief interest is horses: riding, racing & breeding.

The New Yorker

Lothario, fictional character, an unfeeling rake and libertine whose chief interest is seducing women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's fair to say that the chief interest of Karl Lagerfeld is Lagerfeld.

The New York Times

His chief interest was thermodynamic studies, but he also did important work with electrolyte solutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That year, Rainwater set up Crescent Real Estate, which became his chief interest.

The Guardian

D'Albert toured widely and successfully and taught for many years in Berlin, but his chief interest lay in composition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

McCormick took out a patent in 1834, but his chief interest at that time was the family's iron foundry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her narrator is Ariel Manto, a young journalist and polymath scholar whose chief interest is in 19th-century thought experiments.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief interest", ensure the context clearly establishes whose interest you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

While "chief interest" is widely applicable, consider stronger, more specific vocabulary in formal contexts, like "primary objective" or "strategic focus" to convey a sense of purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies the main focus, concern, or enthusiasm within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief interest" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that denotes the primary focus or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news media and encyclopedic contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. While generally appropriate, consider substituting with more precise terms like "primary concern" or "main focus" in contexts requiring heightened specificity. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly stating whose interest you are referring to. When the source is reliable and authoritative, the user can be assured of clarity and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern

Focuses on the level of worry or importance attached to something, rather than just interest.

main focus

Emphasizes the central point of attention or activity, often implying a deliberate choice.

principal focus

A more formal synonym for main focus, suggesting a key area of attention.

primary objective

Highlights the goal or aim that is most important, adding a sense of purpose.

central preoccupation

Indicates a dominating concern or thought that takes up most of someone's attention.

top priority

Indicates the highest importance among other possible objectives.

foremost interest

Highlights precedence in interest, suggesting the subject is considered before others.

key area of focus

Emphasizes a specific segment or aspect that requires particular attention.

central issue

Draws attention to the most critical problem or matter needing resolution.

main priority

Implies there are several priorities, but this one takes precedence.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief interest" to indicate the main focus or concern. For example: "Her chief interest lies in environmental conservation."

What are some alternatives to "chief interest"?

Alternatives include "primary concern", "main focus", or "principal focus", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "chief interest" formal or informal?

"Chief interest" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language may be preferred in academic or technical writing.

What's the difference between "chief interest" and "top priority"?

"Chief interest" refers to a primary area of concern or enthusiasm, while "top priority" indicates the most urgent or important task. The former relates to attention, the latter to action.