close interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is being monitored or scrutinized very carefully. For example: "We have been taking a particularly close interest in the company's financial performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charles took a close interest in Hain's progress.

The Guardian

Orwell maintained a close interest in upcoming talent.

The Guardian - Books

The shadow treasurer said he maintained a close interest in the issue.

The Guardian

Little wonder that military strategists are taking a close interest in geoengineering.

The New York Times

The Chancellor George Osborne is said to be showing a close interest in the appointment.

Independent

Whether and when this gap narrows is a matter of close interest across the region.

The Economist

She is understood to have watched the referendum debate with close interest.

The Guardian

Hitchen continued to take a close interest in what was happening to newspapers.

The Guardian

But he continued to take a very close interest in the newspaper industry.

The Guardian

Chris Grayling, the justice secretary, will certainly be taking a close interest in the outcome.

The Guardian

I was very impressed, and took a close interest from that point on".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close interest", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Keen interest" might be better if you want to highlight enthusiasm, while "vigilant interest" emphasizes attentiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "close interest" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "keen interest", "active interest", or "deep interest" to make your writing more engaging and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., "take a close interest") or follows a preposition (e.g., "with close interest"). Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close interest" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a state of attentiveness or scrutiny. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When using "close interest", consider synonyms like "keen interest" or "vigilant interest" to add nuance to your writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and ensure it fits the overall tone of your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen interest

Emphasizes the enthusiasm or eagerness associated with the interest.

active interest

Highlights the involvement and proactive engagement in the subject.

intense interest

Suggests a high degree of focus and concentration.

deep interest

Implies a profound or thorough level of interest.

special interest

Indicates a particular or specific area of interest.

marked interest

Suggests a noticeable or significant level of interest.

strong interest

Emphasizes the intensity and power of the interest.

considerable interest

Highlights the substantial or noteworthy nature of the interest.

vigilant interest

Focuses on the attentiveness and watchfulness associated with the interest.

attentive interest

Stresses the careful and observant nature of the interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "close interest" to describe someone paying careful attention to something. For example, "The regulator is taking a "close interest" in the company's activities."

What are some alternatives to "close interest"?

Some alternatives include "keen interest", "active interest", and "deep interest". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "close interest" or "closely interested"?

"Close interest" is a noun phrase, while "closely interested" would typically be used as part of a verb phrase (e.g., "He is closely interested in the project"). The correct choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What's the difference between "close interest" and "casual interest"?

"Close interest" implies careful attention and scrutiny, whereas "casual interest" suggests a more relaxed and less involved level of attention. A person taking a "close interest" is likely monitoring the situation carefully.