develop an interest in

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "develop an interest in" when you want to express an action that someone is taking to become interested in something. For example: My daughter has been working hard to develop an interest in math.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Also, can you develop an interest in battery technology?

The Guardian - Tech

How did you develop an interest in spider webs?

The New York Times

He worked for other agencies and began to develop an interest in advertising graphics.

Britannica

When did you first start to develop an interest in undertaking research?

Nature

Fortunately, Burgo said, "it's possible to try and develop an interest in other people".

Independent

Only with prodding and encouragement from the admirably patient and dedicated Hundert does he develop an interest in the Romans.

The New York Times

Thus, it was hardly inevitable that Christians would develop an interest in history, much less their own philosophy of history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Educational outreach programs will also be developed that encourage scholars and potential scholars to develop an interest in this field.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many surgeons develop an interest in CTS before medical school and even before college.

Journal of Surgical Education

It is hoped from there that the students will develop an interest in the game and pursue an opportunity to play with their local club".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Condoning these works has meant more people have access to them and develop an interest in young girls".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "develop an interest in" to suggest a gradual process of growing curiosity and enthusiasm, rather than an immediate infatuation.

Common error

Avoid using "interest in" when you mean "interested in". "Interest in" refers to the subject itself, while "interested in" describes someone's state of mind. For example, say "She is interested in history" not "She has interest in history".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop an interest in" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process of cultivating curiosity or enthusiasm towards a specific subject, activity, or area of study. Ludwig AI indicates that is correct and usable in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop an interest in" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of becoming curious or enthusiastic about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is primarily employed to encourage exploration and learning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific research, academia, and general conversation. While many sources like "The New York Times", "The Guardian" and "Huffington Post" use this expression, you can find a range of alternatives, such as "cultivate a passion for" or "foster an enthusiasm for", to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take an interest in

A more direct and simple way of expressing initial curiosity.

foster an enthusiasm for

Highlights the act of encouraging and supporting the growth of interest.

cultivate a passion for

Focuses on nurturing a deeper, more intense feeling of enthusiasm.

become absorbed in

Highlights a state of deep immersion and engagement.

become fascinated by

Emphasizes a strong attraction and captivation towards a subject.

gain an appreciation for

Focuses on understanding and valuing something, often after initial indifference.

find appealing

Suggests discovering attractive qualities that lead to interest.

acquire a taste for

Suggests a gradual appreciation and liking, particularly for something that may not be immediately appealing.

grow to like

Indicates a gradual increase in affection or enjoyment.

get into

An informal way of saying to become involved and interested in something.

FAQs

How can I use "develop an interest in" in a sentence?

You can use "develop an interest in" to describe the process of becoming curious or enthusiastic about something. For example, "He hopes to "develop an interest in" coding through online courses".

What's a more formal way to say "develop an interest in"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "cultivate a passion for" or "foster an enthusiasm for". These alternatives suggest a more deliberate and profound engagement compared to ""develop an interest in"".

Is it correct to say "have interest in" instead of "develop an interest in"?

While "have interest in" is understandable, it's not as grammatically sound as ""develop an interest in"" or "be interested in". The latter options are more common and grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "take an interest in" and "develop an interest in"?

"Take an interest in" implies a starting point of curiosity, while ""develop an interest in"" suggests a process of growing more curious or engaged over time. "Take an interest in" often precedes the process of developing a deeper interest.