major interests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major interests" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant or primary areas of concern, focus, or investment for an individual or organization. Example: "The company's major interests include renewable energy, technology innovation, and sustainable agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Describes how the company began buying up major interests in various fashion houses.

The New Yorker

Ólafsson was of an old farming family, and his major interests lay in natural history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Education and giving underprivileged children a chance to succeed in life were major interests for Hays.

The New York Times

He also has major interests in a number of tourist hotels and lodges.

The New York Times - Magazine

After all, Petrobras, the Brazilian oil and gas company, had major interests there.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Duesenberg joined the household of the Castles, the missionary and landowning family with major interests in Hawaii, in 1921.

The New York Times

Because of the professionalisation of politics—few MPs these days have major interests outside Parliament the power of the whips to bully and cajole should have grown.

The Economist

Barron Associates continued to be one of his major interests in both New York and Florida until his death on Friday, September 14th.

The New York Times

Mr. Rove also held shares in energy companies, including BP Amoco and Enron, that have major interests in the president's energy policies.

The New York Times

Newspaper editorial boards around Florida condemned the proposal as a gift to Big Sugar, the nickname for the major interests in the state: Florida Crystals, U.S. Sugar, and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative.

The New Yorker

This month he and his wife, Barbara, donated a half interest in the letter to the Salk Institute for research on either molecular biology or the brain, his father's two major interests.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multiple "major interests", use parallel structure to maintain clarity and consistency (e.g., "His major interests are reading, writing, and coding.")

Common error

Avoid using "major interests" when referring to a single, dominant interest. Use "main interest" or "primary focus" instead to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major interests" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes areas of significant focus for individuals or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major interests" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe significant areas of focus or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable across various contexts. This term, as demonstrated by examples in news, science, and encyclopedias, is useful in both formal and informal settings, though its register leans towards neutral to professional. When writing, ensure that "major interests" aligns with the described subject's actual focus and consider using more formal alternatives like "primary concerns" or "key priorities" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concerns

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the interests.

key priorities

Highlights the importance of ranking interests in order of significance.

main areas of focus

Directly points to what is being concentrated on.

principal objectives

Focuses on the intended outcomes or goals related to those interests.

significant investments

Highlights the resources allocated to particular interests.

core business

Refers to central activities and focus areas of a business or organization.

essential pursuits

Emphasizes the active engagement and personal investment in something.

chief inclinations

Describes a natural tendency toward certain interests.

central preoccupations

Refers to topics that someone thinks about a lot.

dominant passions

Suggests strong emotions and enthusiasm towards the interests.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "major interests" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "principal objectives", "key priorities", or "primary concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "major interests" in academic writing?

Yes, "major interests" is suitable for academic writing when describing areas of significant focus or research. Ensure it aligns with the specific context and maintains a formal tone.

What's the difference between "major interests" and "hobbies"?

"Major interests" typically refer to more significant, long-term areas of focus, often related to professional or academic pursuits. "Hobbies", on the other hand, are generally recreational activities pursued for personal enjoyment.

How do I use "major interests" in a sentence?

You can use "major interests" to describe someone's key areas of focus: "Her major interests include environmental conservation and sustainable development" or "The company's major interests lie in technological innovation and market expansion."