holds interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holds interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is engaging or captures attention. Example: "The documentary holds interest due to its unique perspective on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The company also holds interest in off-track betting facilities.

The New York Times - Sports

External reinforcement with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) holds interest in achieving this aim.

Engineering Structures

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

The New York Times - Science

More here: Reserve Bank of Australia holds interest rates steady 8.58am GMT Hang Seng sinks into correction territory A stock trader at the Hong Kong Exchange today.

The Guardian - Business

But that's why pollsters matter, and why "The Way We'll Be" holds interest: Zogby International does a great deal of successful extrapolating and reading between lines.

The New York Times - Books

Although the socialist slant (or, to the Tories, the Socialist threat) on labor issues holds interest, it's all blather when the politicians get down to business.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

His investment vehicle, the Tavistock Group, holds interests in more than 170 companies in 15 countries.

The New York Times

But rather than owning stakes in United States companies, UnitedGlobalCom holds interests in foreign companies.

The New York Times

It also holds interests in steel, via a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal.

The Guardian - Business

Fine Line investment firm holds interests in venture capital, ranches in Texas, Kansas, Australia.

Forbes

This has allowed central banks to hold interest rates at historically low levels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing why something "holds interest", specify the particular aspects that make it engaging. For instance, instead of saying "the movie holds interest", elaborate with "the movie holds interest due to its complex characters and unexpected plot twists".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "holds interest" in formal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound generic. Opt for more precise and vivid alternatives like "captivates", "engages", or "piques curiosity" to enhance the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds interest" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe something that is capable of capturing and maintaining someone's attention or curiosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Examples found in Ludwig demonstrate it's use in describing diverse subjects from novels to economic policy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "holds interest" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to convey that something captures and maintains attention. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is valid across various writing styles. While its frequency is categorized as uncommon, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its credibility. For richer expression, alternatives like "captures attention" or "engages" can be considered. Bear in mind that specifying what makes a subject engaging enhances the impact of your writing. When choosing alternatives, remember to consider the context of your sentence to better align your intent with conveying meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captures attention

Highlights the act of grabbing attention.

draws interest

Similar to 'captures attention', but suggests a gentler pull.

is engaging

Emphasizes the active involvement and appeal of the subject.

is captivating

Focuses on the quality of captivating rather than merely holding interest.

piques interest

Suggests a more subtle and intriguing way of arousing interest.

arouses curiosity

Highlights the aspect of sparking curiosity.

remains compelling

Emphasizes the continuing nature of being compelling.

sustains attention

Focuses on maintaining attention over a period.

preserves appeal

Highlights the act of keeping something appealing over time.

maintains relevance

Focuses on the ongoing importance or applicability.

FAQs

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

You can use "holds interest" to describe something that is engaging or captivating. For example, "The topic of the lecture "holds interest" because it is highly relevant to current events."

What can I say instead of "holds interest"?

You can use alternatives like "captures attention", "engages", or "arouses curiosity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "holds interest" or "maintains interest"?

"Holds interest" refers to initially capturing attention, while "maintains interest" implies keeping attention over a period. The best choice depends on whether you're describing the initial impact or sustained engagement.

What's the difference between saying something "holds interest" and saying it "is interesting"?

Saying something "holds interest" suggests it actively captures and sustains attention. Saying it "is interesting" is a more general statement of subjective appeal. "Holds interest" implies a more dynamic and engaging quality.