foster an interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foster an interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of encouraging or nurturing someone's curiosity or enthusiasm about a particular subject or activity. Example: "The program aims to foster an interest in science among young students through hands-on experiments and interactive lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Her eminence as a literary critic and essayist did much to foster an interest in the work of other female Modernist writers of the period, such as Katherine Mansfield (born in New Zealand) and Dorothy Richardson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They give up their interest in video games around the same time they give up their interest in science and math and that's a real problem because boys use video games to foster an interest in technology, and if girls give that up we're going to continue to see a real gender imbalance in these areas".

The New York Times - Arts

The goal of the project was to positively impact the youths' science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge and attitudes — and to foster an interest in STEM careers.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Ultimately, Cooke says the larger goal – beyond just getting kids excited about the scientific details itself – is to foster an interest and appreciation for the complexity of the world beneath their feet.

TechCrunch

Findings suggested that embedding aerospace science in grade four, both during and after school hours, not only increased girls' interest and confidence in science, but also served to maintain and foster an interest in STEM as they transitioned to middle school.

Acta Astronautica

It is also not a formula designed to foster an interest in education.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That work fostered an interest in nature, the cycles of the seasons, and the outdoors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Michael was allowed to keep them in "a wee box" in his room, he told me, and his father fostered an interest in pigeon racing.

The New Yorker

The universities, as well as numerous private literary and cultural organizations, have long fostered an interest in the classical European arts of music, painting, drama, and literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Bergman believes not only in fostering an interest in 20th- and 21st-century music, but also in encouraging students to compose music themselves.

The New York Times

His partner, Roy Horn Roy Horn, worked at the Bremen Zoo where he fostered an interest in exotic felines.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foster an interest", consider the active steps one can take to nurture that interest, such as providing resources, opportunities, or mentorship.

Common error

Avoid using "foster an interest" in passive constructions. Instead of saying "An interest was fostered", say "The program fostered an interest" to make the sentence more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster an interest" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of encouraging, promoting, or nurturing curiosity or enthusiasm towards a specific subject or activity. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

13%

Science & Research

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foster an interest" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of cultivating or encouraging curiosity. Ludwig confirms that this expression is usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. To enhance your writing, consider active voice constructions and remember to back up your claims with concrete actions or strategies that stimulate engagement. Alternatives such as "cultivate an interest" or "develop an interest" can be considered for increased variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate an interest

Replaces "foster" with "cultivate", suggesting a more deliberate and nurturing approach.

develop an interest

Uses "develop" to emphasize gradual growth and unfolding of interest.

nurture an interest

Highlights the care and attention given to help an interest flourish.

inspire interest in

Focuses on arousing interest through influence or example.

stimulate an interest

Focuses on sparking or arousing interest actively.

generate interest in

Focuses on creating or producing interest where it may not have existed before.

encourage interest in

More direct and straightforward, highlighting the act of encouragement.

promote an interest

Suggests active support and advocacy for an interest.

spark an interest

Emphasizes a sudden and immediate onset of interest.

inculcate an interest

Emphasizes instilling an interest through persistent instruction or teaching.

FAQs

How can I effectively "foster an interest" in science among students?

Use hands-on experiments, interactive lessons, and real-world applications to make science engaging and relevant. You could also "stimulate an interest" by connecting scientific concepts to current events or popular culture.

What are some alternatives to "foster an interest" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "cultivate an interest", "develop an interest", or "spark an interest".

Is it better to "foster an interest" or "create an interest"?

"Foster an interest" implies nurturing an existing inclination, while "create an interest" suggests bringing an interest into existence where none previously existed. The best choice depends on whether the person already has some level of curiosity or not.

How does "foster an interest" differ from "maintain an interest"?

"Foster an interest" focuses on initiating and developing interest, while "maintain an interest" involves sustaining an interest that is already present. You would "foster an interest" initially and then work to maintain it over time.