displayed an interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "displayed an interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's curiosity or enthusiasm about a particular subject or activity. Example: "During the meeting, she displayed an interest in the new project proposals presented by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

From the beginning, American Baptists displayed an interest in an educated ministry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the mid-2nd century some senators displayed an interest in philosophy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She displayed an interest in acting as a little girl and real talent when she became a teenager.

The New York Times

And reassuringly, Maze displayed an interest in price point which had never before been one of Ramsay's strong suits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Veils, Ehrman says, became fashionable in evening wear in the 18th century, when Britain displayed an interest in antiquity, spurred on by the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The Guardian - Arts

In his later compositions he displayed an interest in 12-tone procedures, and several of his eight concerti for orchestra (1931 72) are deeply atonal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

On the campaign trail, she displays an interest in people that, one can only assume, she doesn't always feel.

The New Yorker

23), writes: "By the time they contemplate an application to graduate school, philosophy students have learned that it isn't merely tacky to display an interest in questions about the meaning of life; it's a major professional risk".

The New York Times - Books

In an age when Norway was subject to Denmark, his principal work, Om Norgis rige ("Concerning the Kingdom of Norway"), written in 1567 but not published until 1781, displays an interest in Norway's past and embodies the first stirrings of nationalistic sentiment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jevons displays an interest for the problem of resource depletion, and some opportunism linked to the treatment of a subject in vogue at the time.

Ecological Economics

Young adults typically display an interest in quitting, but it is unknown whether the evidence-based cessation programs designed for adults will be equally effective for young adults.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "displayed an interest", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject was interested in. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "displayed an interest" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make your text sound repetitive. Consider using stronger, more precise verbs to convey the specific nature of the interest, such as "researched", "investigated", or "analyzed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "displayed an interest" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone has exhibited curiosity or enthusiasm towards a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It typically describes an action or behavior revealing a person's inclination or concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "displayed an interest" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone showing curiosity or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI validated its usage. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. Consider stronger alternatives like "showed curiosity" or "expressed enthusiasm" for nuanced expression or in highly formal writing. When using the phrase, be specific about the subject of interest to avoid ambiguity. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took an interest

Uses a more common idiom to express a beginning of interest.

showed curiosity

Replaces "interest" with a synonym, focusing on the feeling of wanting to know more.

expressed enthusiasm

Highlights the positive emotion associated with the interest.

exhibited a liking

Emphasizes positive feelings associated with the interest.

evinced interest

Uses a more formal verb to convey a similar meaning.

manifested interest

Emphasizes that the interest became apparent or visible.

felt inclined

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards something.

gave evidence of interest

More verbose, stressing the giving of proof of interest.

registered interest

Formal and implies that interest was noted or officially recorded.

betrayed an interest

Suggests involuntary or unintentional revelation of interest.

FAQs

What does "displayed an interest" mean?

The phrase "displayed an interest" means to have shown curiosity, enthusiasm, or attention towards something. It indicates that someone has revealed they are concerned about or want to know more about a particular subject or activity.

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

You can use "displayed an interest" to describe someone showing curiosity. For example: "The student "displayed an interest" in the new research project".

What are some alternatives to "displayed an interest"?

Alternatives to "displayed an interest" include phrases like "showed curiosity", "expressed enthusiasm", or "evinced interest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "displayed an interest" or "showed an interest"?

Both "displayed an interest" and "showed an interest" are acceptable. "Displayed" is slightly more formal, while "showed" is more common in everyday conversation.