developed an interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"developed an interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to show that someone has acquired a newfound appreciation or passion for a particular subject. For example, "Since watching a documentary about space exploration, I have developed an interest in astronomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eventually, he developed an interest in V.

The New Yorker

He never developed an interest in fiction.

The Guardian

He developed an interest in contemporary American music as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Not long afterward, Al developed an interest in manhole covers.

The New Yorker

From there, I developed an interest in the subject.

The New York Times

During that period she developed an interest in anarchism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the Civil War, he developed an interest in geology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He then developed an interest for antique shoe buckles.

The New York Times - Arts

Subsequently he developed an interest in football in Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

During this period Nice developed an interest in child psychology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They both developed an interest in photography, and began exploring the gay subcultures of Boston together.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reasons behind the interest, provide context. Explain what triggered or influenced the development of the interest for a more compelling narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "developed an interest" when the context suggests a high level of skill or knowledge. The phrase indicates the start of engagement, not mastery. Reserve claims of expertise for situations where significant experience or training is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed an interest" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of liking or curiosity towards something. It suggests the initial stages of engagement or fascination, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developed an interest" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the start of someone's enthusiasm for a subject or activity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is widely used across various contexts, with its highest usage in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When using this phrase, remember to consider the context and provide information on what sparked the interest to make your writing more compelling. Alternatives like "took an interest in" or "became interested in" can be used for variety, but "developed an interest" effectively conveys a gradual growth of liking or curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took an interest in

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing the beginning of an interest.

cultivated an interest

Focuses on the nurturing and growth of the interest over time, suggesting a more active role in its development.

found an interest in

Suggests that the interest was located or encountered, rather than actively developed.

acquired a taste for

Implies a gradual liking or appreciation for something, often related to sensory experiences or activities.

grew to appreciate

Highlights the gradual increase in understanding and value of something.

became fascinated by

Emphasizes a strong attraction or captivation, suggesting a more intense emotional connection.

nurtured an interest in

Indicates careful attention and encouragement towards the growth of an interest.

discovered a passion for

Highlights a strong enthusiasm. Passion suggests dedication and deep emotional involvement.

established an interest

Suggests an interest was not just felt, but actively setup or formalized.

evinced an interest

Formal, indicating that interest was revealed or shown. Can emphasize an initial, perhaps surprising, indication of interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "developed an interest" to describe someone's gradual liking or curiosity towards a subject or activity. For example: "After visiting the museum, she "developed an interest" in ancient history."

What can I say instead of "developed an interest"?

You can use alternatives such as "took an interest in", "became interested in", or "grew to appreciate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "develop an interest" or "developed an interest"?

Both are correct, but "develop an interest" is in the present tense and is suitable when talking about a general action, while "developed an interest" is in the past tense, appropriate when describing something that happened in the past.

What is the difference between "developed an interest" and "had an interest"?

"Developed an interest" suggests a process of gradual liking, whereas "had an interest" simply means that the person possessed that interest at some point, without implying how it arose.