developing an interest in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing an interest in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of becoming more interested or engaged in a particular subject, activity, or hobby. Example: "Over the summer, I found myself developing an interest in photography, which led me to take several classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's not like developing an interest in, say, polo.

The New Yorker

At the same time, he was developing an interest in Zen Buddhism.

The New York Times - Arts

His friend and neighbour Michael Bowles says that in his 30s Sue-Patt was also developing an interest in art.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One rabbi, Charles Arian, began developing an interest in bourbon 10 years ago, after he married a woman from Kentucky.

The New York Times - Food

They are also developing an interest in children's social services and have police and health service contracts for the forensic examinations of children who have been sexually abused.

The Guardian

This got me thinking about the Wellcome Trust, which also works on malaria and has been developing an interest in climate change as a health issue.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 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

Also, can you develop an interest in battery technology?

The Guardian - Tech

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "developing an interest in", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the gradual and progressive nature of the interest being described. For instance, it's more suitable for long-term hobbies or academic subjects rather than fleeting attractions.

Common error

Avoid using "developing an interest in" to describe immediate, short-lived curiosities. This phrase is better suited for interests that grow and evolve over time, not passing fancies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing an interest in" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the gradual process of becoming more curious or engaged with a particular subject or activity. Ludwig examples show its wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developing an interest in" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a gradual increase in curiosity or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, remember that it indicates a process of growth, not a sudden or immediate attraction. For alternatives, consider "cultivating a passion for" or "growing an affinity for" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivating a passion for

Implies a deliberate effort to nurture interest.

growing an affinity for

Highlights the gradual and natural development of liking something.

fostering an enthusiasm for

Suggests creating an environment that encourages interest.

taking a liking to

A more casual way of expressing the start of an interest.

kindling an interest in

Suggests a sudden or rapid sparking of interest.

becoming absorbed in

Focuses on the state of being deeply engaged and interested.

nurturing an inclination toward

Implies carefully supporting the growth of interest.

acquiring a taste for

Specifically refers to developing an appreciation over time.

finding appeal in

Highlights the discovery of attractive qualities that spark interest.

getting into

A very informal and colloquial way to express starting an interest.

FAQs

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

Use "developing an interest in" to describe a gradual increase in curiosity or enthusiasm for something, as in, "She is "developing an interest in" astrophysics after attending a lecture." The phrase indicates a process rather than a sudden passion.

What can I say instead of "developing an interest in"?

You can use alternatives like "cultivating a passion for", "growing an affinity for", or "becoming absorbed in" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "developing an interest in" in formal writing?

Yes, "developing an interest in" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe the gradual emergence of interest in a topic or activity. More formal alternatives include phrases such as "cultivating a passion for".

What's the difference between "having an interest in" and "developing an interest in"?

"Having an interest in" describes a current state of curiosity or enthusiasm. "Developing an interest in", on the other hand, describes the process of that interest emerging and growing over time. The second one represents a transformational state.