hold interest for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hold interest for' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a situation where something is appealing or engaging to someone. For example, "This new movie is sure to hold interest for viewers of all ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This chapter discusses the recent research and development of carbon nanotube (CNT /epoxy structural composites that hold interest for military applications, along with some discussions on the component materials, and structure-property characterization.

Carbon Nanotechnology Recent Developments in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science and Device Applications

Such biographical detail may sway few votes with the blue-rinse brigade about to return their ballot papers to Conservative central office, but will surely hold interest for future biographers of the prospective Tory leader.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It holds interest for anyone who wants to tell if a smile may be lying.

The New York Times - Science

But in an ever-changing world, where technology touches almost every part of our day-to-day lives, careers that once may have held interest for a few are now opened up to the masses.

The Guardian

Sweet main courses have never held interest for me, and even those eminently gnawable barbecued pork ribs need a good dose of lemon, ginger or chilli to counteract the sugary notes.

The Guardian

Generating or holding interest for viewers - especially the youth - in electronic media news or current affair programmes is indeed a matter of concern for effective and unabated research for every broadcasting organization.

BBC

Although the qPCR results do not exactly mirror the transcriptome results, this unknown cupin gene holds interest for further analysis.

BMC Plant Biology

Most analysts expect the ECB to hold interest rates for many months in order to counter inflation.

Forbes

Policy makers also renewed their pledge to hold interest rates "exceptionally low" for an "extended period".

The New York Times

"I believe that the Fed will hold interest rates at 5.25% for quite some time".

Huffington Post

By holding interest rates low for so long after equities crashed, the Fed helped to inflate house prices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to maintain engagement, ensure that your content provides ongoing value. A compelling narrative or fresh insights can "hold interest for" your audience, encouraging them to stay invested.

Common error

While appropriate in many settings, excessively using "hold interest for" in highly formal or academic writing can make your language sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "be significant to" or "be relevant to" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold interest for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the ability of something to attract or maintain someone's attention. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase. The provided examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from military applications to personal preferences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold interest for" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express that something is appealing or engaging to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media and scientific publications. While "hold interest for" is generally appropriate, varying your phrasing with synonyms like "captivate" or "engage" can enhance your writing style. Keep in mind that overuse in formal settings may sound repetitive, so consider using alternatives such as "be significant to" or "be relevant to" for added precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold appeal for

Emphasizes the attractive or pleasing qualities.

hold attention for

Emphasizes the act of keeping someone focused.

sustain interest in

Highlights the ability to maintain interest over time.

hold fascination for

Highlights the captivating or intriguing nature.

hold significance for

Focuses on the importance or relevance rather than just the appeal.

hold importance for

Stresses the significance or value to someone.

hold relevance for

Focuses on how applicable or pertinent something is.

spark curiosity in

Focuses on generating initial interest.

hold utility for

Highlights the usefulness or practical value.

capture imagination of

Highlights the ability to stimulate creative thought.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "hold interest for" in a sentence?

Use "hold interest for" to describe something that is likely to attract or maintain someone's attention, as in, "This documentary should "hold interest for" history buffs".

What are some alternatives to "hold interest for"?

You can use alternatives such as "captivate", "engage", or "appeal to" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "holds interest for"?

Yes, "holds interest for" is grammatically correct. Use "holds" with singular subjects (e.g., "The book holds interest for many readers") and "hold" with plural subjects (e.g., "These topics hold interest for students").

What's the difference between "hold interest for" and "maintain interest in"?

"Hold interest for" suggests an initial attraction or appeal, while "maintain interest in" implies sustaining that initial interest over time. For example, a catchy title might "hold interest for" readers, but the content must be engaging to "maintain interest in" the subject.