modest interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of interest that is not overly strong or intense, often implying a casual or mild curiosity about something. Example: "While I have a modest interest in the topic, I don't feel compelled to dive deeper into it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cameron has been a figure of modest interest in Washington.

The Guardian

At the time it raised only modest interest in the US media.

The Guardian

So even the modest interest rate rise so far is an ominous omen.

The New York Times

So far, the demonstrations in Iraq have attracted modest interest and had little visible impact.

The New York Times

Overall, this study is of modest interest but is far from convincing".

The Guardian

But except for tourists and South El Paso business executives, the actions here generated only modest interest.

The New York Times

Demographically, even the modest interest millennials have shown in the labor movement recently is a reversal of decades of disinterest.

The Guardian - Money

The second week of ABC's spin-off "Bachelor Pad" drew only modest interest in the ratings on Monday.

The New York Times - Arts

While efforts have been modest, interest is growing in "mobisodes," short series that are already popular abroad.

The New York Times

And the winner was the candidate who anyone with even a modest interest in the contest could have predicted.

The New York Times

It's certainly true that at the start of this year, many Democrats showed only modest interest in cost control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing reactions to events or proposals, use "modest interest" to convey a sense of mild curiosity without strong support or opposition. This adds nuance to your description and helps to make it more realistic.

Common error

Avoid using "modest interest" when the context suggests a high level of enthusiasm or investment. Using it in such cases can undermine your credibility and misrepresent the true level of engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest interest" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase followed by a noun. It is used to qualify the degree of interest, indicating that it is not strong or intense. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples from diverse sources where this phrase is used to denote a low to moderate level of engagement or attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modest interest" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a slight or mild level of curiosity or engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used across various contexts, including news, business, and academia, to portray a situation where enthusiasm is limited. When writing, it's important to accurately gauge the level of interest you're describing to avoid overstating engagement. Alternatives like "slight interest" or "mild curiosity" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid using the phrase when strong enthusiasm is present, and be sure to adjust it according to the formality and target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight interest

Implies a minimal level of curiosity or attention.

limited interest

Suggests a restricted or constrained level of interest.

mild curiosity

Focuses on the inquisitiveness aspect, implying a gentle or subdued curiosity.

casual interest

Highlights the informal and relaxed nature of the interest.

passing interest

Indicates a temporary or fleeting interest that does not last long.

faint interest

Emphasizes the weak or barely noticeable nature of the interest.

tepid interest

Suggests a lukewarm or indifferent level of interest.

superficial interest

Implies an interest that is only on the surface and lacks depth.

peripheral interest

Indicates an interest that is secondary or not central to one's concerns.

token interest

Suggests a minimal or symbolic level of interest, often shown for appearance's sake.

FAQs

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

"Modest interest" is used to describe a situation where someone has a slight or mild curiosity about something, without strong engagement. For example: "The project generated "modest interest" among the team members".

What are some alternatives to "modest interest"?

You can use alternatives like "slight interest", "limited interest", or "mild curiosity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "modest interest" or "moderate interest"?

Both "modest interest" and "moderate interest" are acceptable, but "modest interest" often suggests a slightly lower level of engagement or curiosity compared to "moderate interest". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "modest interest"?

It's inappropriate to use "modest interest" when describing strong enthusiasm or significant engagement. In such cases, phrases like "keen interest" or "strong interest" are more suitable.