major interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"major interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an area of focus or particular concern. For example, "The company is taking a major interest in sustainability initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Warfare was their major interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mineralogy has always been a major interest".

The New York Times

Most of the major interest groups have weighed in.

The New York Times

By 1954, Clarke's skin diving had become his major interest.

The New Yorker

The Russians also have a major interest in our election.

The Washington Post

His other major interest was in music, particularly opera.

The Guardian

It is the reedbeds that provide the day's major interest.

Independent

As prime minister, Borden's major interest was Anglo-Canadian relations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of which Russian history seems to be of major interest.

Independent

In this respect, two aspects are of major interest.

Simulation Practice and Theory

This subject remains to be of my major interest.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing multiple interests, specify that one is a "major interest" to clarify its relative importance.

Common error

Avoid using "major interest" vaguely. Always clarify what the interest is and why it's significant to the discussion. For example, instead of saying "This is a major interest", specify "Renewable energy is a "major interest" for our company due to environmental concerns."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major interest" functions as a noun phrase typically used to describe a key area of focus, concern, or importance. It serves to highlight the significance of a particular subject or activity, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major interest" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote something of significant importance or focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds application across diverse fields, from science and news to encyclopedias. While generally neutral to formal, its meaning remains consistent: to emphasize the substantial attention or investment a subject receives. When employing "major interest", clarity is key; specify the nature of the interest and its relevance to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternative phrases like "primary focus" or "key concern" to vary your language while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary focus

Replaces "interest" with "focus", emphasizing the main point of attention.

key concern

Substitutes "interest" with "concern", highlighting a significant worry or issue.

main priority

Emphasizes importance by replacing "interest" with "priority", indicating something of utmost significance.

chief preoccupation

Replaces "major interest" with a more intense focus of "chief preoccupation."

principal area of focus

Replaces "major interest" with a formal expression meaning main area of study or activity.

significant area of concern

Similar to "key concern" but adds "area of", offering a slightly more descriptive alternative.

central theme

Frames the "major interest" as a "central theme", implying it's a recurring or dominant idea.

foremost consideration

Highlights the importance of something by calling it a "foremost consideration".

prime consideration

Highlights the importance of something by calling it a "prime consideration".

paramount concern

Synonymous with "key concern" but adds a sense of urgency and importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "major interest" to describe something of significant importance or focus. For example, "Her "major interest" is marine biology" or "The company has a "major interest" in developing new technologies".

What's a more formal way to express "major interest"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "primary focus", "key concern", or "principal area of focus".

Is "major interest" the same as "serious interest"?

While similar, "major interest" implies a greater level of importance or commitment than "serious interest". Something that is a "major interest" is likely a primary focus, while a "serious interest" is something one cares about deeply.

What are some related terms to "major interest"?

Related terms include "chief preoccupation", "main priority", and "foremost consideration". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.