genuine interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"genuine interest" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when speaking about a person's sincere curiosity about something. For example, "My daughter showed a genuine interest in creating art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has a genuine interest.

The New York Times

He has no genuine interest in policy.

The New Yorker

"But there is also people's genuine interest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In addition to her genuine interest, she was being frugal.

The New York Times - Books

She exudes a genuine interest in the lives of others.

Independent

We want to see genuine interest and passion.

The Guardian - Money

The base line is genuine interest in the artist's work.

The New York Times

It's there because we have a genuine interest.

The Guardian - Sport

If it's a genuine interest, you'll have found the time.

The Guardian

"It's important to have a genuine interest in trying to understand what caused it to happen".

The New York Times

Few of these calls represent a genuine interest in the affairs of would-be pensioners.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "genuine interest" to highlight their empathy and concern for others. For example, "She showed a "genuine interest" in her students' well-being."

Common error

Avoid using "genuine interest" when describing fleeting or superficial curiosity. Ensure the context reflects a deeper, more sustained engagement or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "genuine" modifies the noun "interest". Ludwig examples show it describing sincere curiosity, concern, or enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine interest" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sincere curiosity or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys authenticity and is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While alternatives like "real curiosity" or "authentic concern" exist, "genuine interest" remains a versatile and reliable choice. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a deeper, sustained engagement rather than superficial curiosity. It's a phrase that adds credibility and warmth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfeigned interest

Highlights the genuineness of the interest by emphasizing that it's not pretended or artificial.

real curiosity

Focuses on the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something, rather than the sincerity of that feeling.

legitimate curiosity

Emphasizes the validity and appropriateness of the interest, suggesting a valid reason for inquiry.

authentic concern

Emphasizes the caring aspect, highlighting a true worry or empathy for someone or something.

sincere enthusiasm

Highlights the positive and eager aspect of interest, suggesting excitement and passion.

deep engagement

Focuses on the level of involvement and commitment, suggesting a more active and profound interest.

heartfelt appreciation

Emphasizes gratitude and positive regard, suggesting an interest rooted in valuing something.

bona fide attention

Stresses the legitimacy and validity of the attention given, ensuring it's not superficial.

true investment

Highlights the dedication and commitment of time, energy, or resources, signifying a serious interest.

earnest inquiry

Focuses on the act of seeking knowledge with seriousness and sincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "genuine interest" in a sentence?

You can use "genuine interest" to describe someone's sincere curiosity or concern about something. For example, "He displayed a "genuine interest" in the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "genuine interest"?

You can use alternatives like "real curiosity", "authentic concern", or "sincere enthusiasm" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very genuine interest"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very genuine interest" can be redundant. "Genuine" already implies sincerity, so using it alone is often sufficient. Consider using alternatives like "profound interest" or "deeply interested" for emphasis.

What's the difference between "genuine interest" and "professional interest"?

"Genuine interest" implies a sincere and personal curiosity or concern. "Professional interest", on the other hand, suggests an interest driven by career goals or job requirements, which may not necessarily be heartfelt. For example, an employee showing "genuine interest" will show initiative beyond expectations.