love interest

USAGE SUMMARY

'love interest' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who has romantic feelings toward another person. For example, "Jane's love interest, John, has been trying to win her heart for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Love interest?

The New York Times - Books

And a love interest.

The New York Times

Enter the love interest.

The New York Times - Books

No love interest.

The New Yorker

There's Robin Weigert as the love interest.

The New York Times

"Love Interest," by Pascal Campion.

The New Yorker

But as a love interest . . .

The New Yorker

She's not just a love interest, though.

The New York Times

Angela Bassett is his love interest.

The New York Times

They needed a love interest, of course.

The New Yorker

Julianne Moore is his new love interest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about characters, clearly define the "love interest"'s role beyond just being a romantic partner. Consider their impact on the protagonist's development and the overall plot.

Common error

Avoid portraying the "love interest" as merely a plot device or a reward for the protagonist. Give them their own agency, motivations, and complexities to make them a compelling character in their own right.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "love interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a character in a narrative or a person in real life who is the object of someone's romantic affections. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "love interest" is a common noun phrase used to describe a character or person who is the object of romantic affection. Ludwig AI validates that it is correct and frequently used in written English, particularly in News & Media sources. While the term is generally neutral, it's important to remember to develop "love interest" characters with complexity and avoid using them merely as a plot device. Alternatives like "romantic partner" or "object of affection" may be suitable in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

romantic partner

Focuses on the relationship aspect rather than the narrative role.

object of affection

Highlights the feeling of love directed towards the person.

romantic lead

Emphasizes the character's role in a romantic storyline, particularly in fiction.

sweetheart

Implies a more affectionate or endearing term for a love interest.

beau

An old-fashioned term for a male admirer or suitor.

flame

Suggests a passionate or intense romantic interest.

paramour

Refers to an illicit or secret love interest.

admirer

Indicates someone who admires or is attracted to another person.

suitor

Highlights someone who is actively pursuing a romantic relationship.

significant other

A more general term for a person's partner in a relationship, which may or may not be a "love interest" in a narrative sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "love interest" to describe a character who is the object of another character's romantic feelings, such as: "In the movie, the protagonist's "love interest" is a mysterious stranger".

What are some alternatives to saying "love interest"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "romantic partner", "object of affection", or "romantic lead".

Is it appropriate to use "love interest" in formal writing?

While "love interest" is widely understood, in more formal contexts, consider using terms like "romantic partner" or "object of affection" for a more sophisticated tone. However, in film or literary analysis, "love interest" is perfectly acceptable.

What makes a "love interest" compelling in a story?

A compelling "love interest" should have their own goals, motivations, and backstory, rather than just existing to serve the protagonist's story. They should challenge the protagonist and contribute to their growth.