maintain the interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain the interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to keep someone's attention or engagement in a particular topic or activity. Example: "To keep the audience engaged during the presentation, it's essential to maintain the interest by incorporating interactive elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Nevertheless, banks will probably have to generate double-digit returns to maintain the interest of investors.

The New York Times

We didn't maintain the interest and we didn't send the message that we were growing".

The New York Times - Arts

This heightened "spectacularization" of the electronic sports media is designed to maintain the interest of sports fans and to attract detached viewers seeking sensation and stimulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The body is good business/Sell out, maintain the interest This set the tone: At Topshop, it is 1983 all over again, with all the shiny spandex leggings, big cheap bangles and Day-Glo Wayfarers this implies.

The New York Times

Facebook's shift to mobile has primarily been driven by the need to maintain the interest of its users, who are using the desktop site less in favour of the smartphones and tablets.

The Guardian - Tech

In June the Bank of Norway decided to maintain the interest rate at 7% (the highest level in Western Europe) and even declared that it would raise the rate should inflation once more approach 4%.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sam Joyce, of BBC Future Media and Digital, adds: "The BBC must balance extending access to content with the need to maintain the interests of rights-holders [and] the value of secondary rights in BBC programming".

The Guardian

This shows that auditors with a positive attitude toward marketing maintain the interests of managers by performing marketing activities, and also find the desired client and make better judgments based on their expertise and agreement on the fees.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

Furthermore, Khamenei's supporters believe not only that Trump will maintain the Vienna nuclear agreement, but also that his policies in Syria and the Middle East will maintain the interests of the regime.

Huffington Post

"Khamenei's supporters believe not only that Trump will maintain the Vienna nuclear agreement," he says, "but also that his policies in Syria and the Middle East will maintain the interests of the regime".

Huffington Post

The central bank has maintained the interest rate in that range since October.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic papers, "maintain the interest" by presenting data and arguments in a clear, logical, and engaging manner. Use real-world examples and avoid jargon whenever possible.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice excessively when trying to "maintain the interest". Active voice makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain the interest" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as part of a clause within a sentence. It describes the action of keeping someone engaged or captivated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain the interest" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe keeping someone engaged or captivated. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal to neutral. Related phrases include "sustain engagement" and "retain attention". When using this phrase, focus on active voice to make your writing more compelling. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting its broad applicability in different fields. Effective strategies to "maintain the interest" include incorporating interactive elements, telling compelling stories, and using visuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold their interest

Emphasizes captivating someone and preventing them from losing focus.

sustain engagement

Focuses on keeping someone actively involved rather than just interested.

retain attention

Highlights the act of holding someone's focus.

cultivate engagement

Highlights the deliberate and ongoing effort to foster active participation and connection.

preserve enthusiasm

Centers around keeping someone's excitement and passion alive.

keep them hooked

Implies creating a strong sense of intrigue and dependence.

foster curiosity

Emphasizes nurturing and encouraging an inquisitive mindset.

stimulate curiosity

Focuses on sparking and nurturing someone's desire to learn more.

capture imagination

Highlights the act of enthralling someone's mind with vivid imagery and possibilities.

fuel passion

Emphasizes invigorating someone's deep-seated desire and drive.

FAQs

How can I "maintain the interest" of my audience during a presentation?

Incorporate interactive elements, tell compelling stories, and use visuals to "hold their interest" and keep them engaged.

What are some alternatives to "maintain the interest" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "sustain engagement" or "retain attention" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does the meaning of "maintain the interest" differ from "spark interest"?

"Maintain the interest" implies keeping an existing interest alive, while "spark interest" means creating a new interest where none existed before.

Is it better to say "maintain the interest" or "keep the interest alive"?

Both phrases are correct and have similar meanings. However, "maintain the interest" might sound slightly more formal than "keep the interest alive".