interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun and verb. Example (as a verb): I am interested in learning more about French culture. Example (as a noun): Her interest in French culture led her to study abroad.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't have any monetary interest in this".

The Guardian

We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest".

The Guardian

Britain's national interest demands that we maximise our influence and use that influence to boost growth, trade and jobs.

The Guardian

A Labour source said that, given teenagers have a "tremendous vested interest in whether or not we stay in the EU or leave", there could be a strong appetite for amending the EU referendum bill in the Lords, even if Labour and the SNP fail to recruit the relatively small number of Tory rebels they would need to defeat the government in the Commons.

The Guardian

Turkmenistan has expressed interest in exporting to the EU via a trans-Caspian pipeline and to India and Pakistan across Afghanistan, but the plans are yet to get off the drawing board.

The Guardian

The national interest should never be subject to the chequebooks of anybody".

The Guardian

Nobody has a bigger interest in getting them released than I do," Clinton told reporters during a campaign stop in Iowa.

The Guardian

"It is in our vital national interest that we avoid the fatal mistake that would be a no vote if a referendum is held in the next few years".

The Guardian

Alexander made clear the Liberal Democrats' deep unease at the prime minister's plan when he warned of the dangers posed by those who "put anti-European ideology ahead of our national interest".

The Guardian

But what it was actually doing was putting the dealers' interest in no oversight ahead of the public's interest in a fair marketplace.

The Economist

On the contrary, in the credit-card market they've slashed credit lines and jacked up interest rates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interest" in financial contexts, be specific about the type (e.g., simple interest, compound interest) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "interest" when you mean "interested". "Interest" is a noun (e.g., "He has an interest in art"), while "interested" is an adjective (e.g., "He is interested in art").

Linguistic Context

The word "interest" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or a financial charge. It can also function as a verb, meaning to excite the curiosity or attention of someone. Ludwig AI confirms this duality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "interest" is a versatile term, commonly used as both a noun and a verb, as Ludwig AI confirms. It encompasses meanings from curiosity and attention to financial implications. Its neutral register and widespread use across news, business, and general contexts make it an essential component of the English language. Understanding its various nuances, from distinguishing it from "interested" to specifying the type of financial interest, ensures clear and effective communication. Exploring related terms such as "concern", "attention", and "curiosity" provides alternative ways to express similar concepts with subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concern

This term focuses more on worry or anxiety related to something.

attention

This emphasizes the act of noticing or focusing on something.

curiosity

Highlights the desire to know or learn about something.

stake

Refers to having something to gain or lose in a situation.

involvement

Suggests being actively engaged or participating in something.

pursuit

Implies actively following or seeking something.

pastime

Indicates a recreational activity done for enjoyment.

sake

Emphasizes the benefit or advantage of someone or something.

advantage

Focuses on a beneficial aspect or gain.

relevance

Highlights the importance or pertinence of something to a particular matter.

FAQs

How to use "interest" in a sentence?

You can use "interest" as a noun to describe a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something (e.g., "She showed great interest in the project"), or as a term related to finance (e.g., "The interest rate on the loan is 5%").

What can I say instead of "interest"?

You can use alternatives like "concern", "attention", or "curiosity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "interest" or "interests"?

"Interest" (singular) refers to a general feeling or a financial charge. "Interests" (plural) typically refers to multiple areas of personal passion or concern (e.g., "Her interests include reading and hiking").

What's the difference between "interest" and "principal" in finance?

"Principal" refers to the original sum of money borrowed or invested. "Interest" is the additional cost of borrowing or the return on investment, calculated as a percentage of the "principal".