interests

USAGE SUMMARY

'interests' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a noun or a verb. Example sentence: She and her friends share many interests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"EE's decision on Friday is surprising in the context of a contract that has more than a year to run and leaves the board with no alternative but to seek the administrator's protection in the interests of all its stakeholders".

The Guardian - Business

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

The ruling effectively enlisted Google into partnership with European states in striking a balance between individual privacy and public discourse interests.

The Guardian - Tech

United and determined we can bring our values and interests to bear in the world.

The Guardian

The peer later denied that he had commercial interests in any domestic energy firms or in the big six energy companies.

The Guardian - Money

"What is the point of having that strong relationship if you can't use it to move them to a position which is in their interests and our interests?" she said.

The Guardian

The former European trade commissioner said: "For far too long, those who want to destroy Britain's interests and influence in Europe have been allowed to get away with murder with the lies and false propaganda they have poured out about the European Union and what it represents for our country.

The Guardian

In November Obeid told the commission he had not disclosed his sons' interests in the business because he wanted his lobbying to be taken on "merit".

The Guardian

I don't have those interests or those connections.

The Economist

The content of the course will be tailored to the experience and interests of members of the group, ensuring every attendee receives a personalised experience and progresses as a photographer.

The Guardian

"Plunkett has paid a heavy price for putting his own interests above the integrity of the market and Barclays customerr.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "interests", be specific to provide a clear understanding. Instead of simply stating "He has many interests", detail a few, such as "He has interests in photography, hiking, and classic literature."

Common error

Avoid using "interests" when you mean "is interested". For example, instead of saying "She interests in art", say "She is interested in art". Using "interests" as a verb requires a different sentence structure, such as "The topic interests her".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interests" is as a plural noun. It denotes the things that someone enjoys, cares about, or is involved in. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as a verb (third person singular), but this is less common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "interests" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting a person's hobbies, passions, or concerns. While it can act as a verb, this usage is less frequent. As a noun, "interests" commonly appears in news and media, formal business settings, and academic writing, indicating its versatility. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of "interests", further validating its widespread use. To enhance clarity, be specific when discussing someone's "interests" and avoid confusion with the adjective "interested". Alternatives like "hobbies and pastimes" and "passions and pursuits" can provide nuanced meaning. When it comes to improving your communication and writing skills, understanding such phrases is very important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favorite activities

This option highlights the things someone enjoys doing the most, pinpointing specific actions and experiences.

hobbies and pastimes

This alternative refers to leisure activities and recreational pursuits, emphasizing the enjoyment derived from them.

areas of focus

This alternative emphasizes the specific subjects or activities that one concentrates on, shifting from a general liking to a more deliberate pursuit.

passions and pursuits

This option highlights the emotional engagement and active involvement associated with one's interests, adding a layer of enthusiasm.

personal preferences

This phrase centers on individual tastes and inclinations, focusing on the subjective aspect of what someone likes.

engagements

This alternative underscores the activities and commitments to which one is actively involved, emphasizing participation and involvement.

specialties

This alternative focuses on the areas in which someone has deep knowledge or skills, emphasizing expertise and dedication.

pet subjects

This option, less formal, denotes topics someone is particularly fond of and knowledgeable about, often indicating a strong personal connection.

concerns and commitments

This option emphasizes the issues and activities to which someone is dedicated, adding a sense of responsibility and involvement.

values and priorities

This phrase highlights the guiding principles and top concerns that shape someone's interests, adding a moral dimension.

FAQs

How can I use "interests" in a sentence?

You can use "interests" as a noun to refer to things that someone enjoys or is concerned about. For example, "Her interests include hiking and reading." Or, you can use it as a verb, although less common, to indicate something that attracts or engages someone. For example, "The topic interests her greatly."

What can I say instead of "interests"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hobbies and pastimes", "passions and pursuits", or "areas of focus".

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

Both "interests" and "interested" are correct but used in different ways. "Interests" (noun) refers to things someone enjoys or cares about. "Interested" (adjective) describes someone's state of being engaged or curious. For example, "Her interests are diverse" versus "She is interested in learning more".

What's the difference between "interests" and "priorities"?

"Interests" refers to things that someone enjoys or finds engaging, while "priorities" are the things that someone considers most important. You might have an interest in something without making it a priority, and vice versa.