national interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"national interest" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to refer to the interests of a nation, such as economic and political interests. For example: "The President's agenda will ensure the national interest is protected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It betrays our national interest.

The New York Times

"Where is Britain's national interest?

Independent

The national interest.

The Guardian - Business

"It is national interest".

The New York Times

So what exactly is the national interest?

The New York Times

Is that in our national interest?

The New York Times

It is in America's national interest.

The New York Times

It sacrificed national interest to tactical advantage.

The Economist

"That is in our national interest".

The New York Times

Together in the national interest.

The Guardian

"They recognize that there's a national interest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "national interest", be specific about what aspects of the nation's well-being are being considered, such as economic stability, security, or international relations.

Common error

Avoid using "national interest" as a vague justification for policies. Always provide clear reasoning and evidence to support how a particular action serves the nation's specific interests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "national interest" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its wide acceptance. It represents a country's goals, needs, and priorities, influencing policy and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "national interest" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term referring to a country's goals and priorities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It commonly appears in news, media, and formal business contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, it is often used to justify actions or policies. To use it effectively, be specific about which aspects of the nation's well-being are being addressed. Related terms include "national benefit" and "national security".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

national benefit

Emphasizes the positive outcomes and advantages for the nation.

national advantage

Highlights the competitive edge or superiority gained by the nation.

national welfare

Focuses on the overall well-being and prosperity of the nation's citizens.

national security

Prioritizes the protection and safety of the nation from external and internal threats.

national objectives

Refers to the specific goals and aims pursued by the nation.

national priorities

Highlights the most important issues and concerns for the nation.

national agenda

Refers to the list of issues and plans that the nation intends to address.

national aspirations

Focuses on the hopes and ambitions of the nation for the future.

strategic interests

Emphasizes the long-term goals and advantages in international relations.

the common good of the nation

Highlights actions taken for the general benefit of all citizens within the nation.

FAQs

How do you use "national interest" in a sentence?

You can use "national interest" to describe actions or policies that benefit a country, as in, "The government's trade agreement is designed to promote the "national interest" by boosting exports".

What is another way to say "national interest"?

Alternatives to "national interest" include "national benefit", "national advantage", or "national welfare", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to act in the "national interest"?

To act in the "national interest" means to make decisions and implement policies that are believed to benefit the country as a whole, considering its security, economy, and the well-being of its citizens.

Is there a difference between "national interest" and "self-interest"?

"National interest" refers to the benefit of the entire nation, while "self-interest" typically refers to the benefit of an individual, group, or organization. Sometimes, actions taken in self-interest can conflict with the "national interest".