passing interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'passing interest' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a temporary or fleeting interest in something. For example, "I had only a passing interest in that movie, so I decided against seeing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet the question is of more than passing interest.

The Economist

The demand for real-time news became more sustained behavior than passing interest.

The Economist

Back at ConAgra's headquarters in Omaha, the Princeton study didn't stir much more than passing interest.

The New York Times

Several prominent black politicians of more than passing interest to New Yorkers have wives named Michelle.

The New York Times

Poets Cornerss For devotees of poetry, tomorrow and Saturday bring events of more than passing interest.

The New York Times - Books

The good weather is of more than passing interest to us right now.

The New York Times - Magazine

I tweeted this fact, thinking it would be of passing interest to a few people.

The Guardian

For Father Marani, 68, the escapades of Irish partisans held only passing interest.

The New York Times

While Grimandi trained last summer with the Rapids, the MetroStars also expressed passing interest.

The New York Times - Sports

The answers are of more than passing interest to me.

Huffington Post

I declare our plight to anyone with a passing interest like an alcoholic seeking forgiveness.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing interest" to convey a lack of deep commitment or sustained engagement with a topic. For instance, "I have a passing interest in astronomy, but I'm not an expert."

Common error

Having a "passing interest" doesn't mean you know nothing about a subject; it simply implies that your knowledge is not extensive or specialized. It's about the level of engagement, not the absence of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "passing" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "interest". It signifies a superficial or transient level of curiosity or engagement with a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing interest" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a brief or superficial curiosity towards a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It's versatile enough to be used across various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure you're accurately portraying a casual, non-committal level of interest. Remember, while it implies a limited engagement, it doesn't suggest a complete lack of knowledge. Consider using alternatives like "fleeting interest" or "casual interest" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting interest

Replaces 'passing' with 'fleeting', emphasizing the brief duration of the interest.

casual interest

Substitutes 'passing' with 'casual', highlighting the relaxed nature of the interest.

slight interest

Uses 'slight' instead of 'passing', indicating a minimal degree of interest.

superficial interest

Replaces 'passing' with 'superficial' to denote a lack of depth in the interest.

tenuous interest

Suggests that the interest is weak or fragile.

marginal interest

Indicates that the interest is on the periphery and not central.

perfunctory interest

Implies that the interest is shown only as a duty or routine.

minimal engagement

Emphasizes the low level of involvement or attention.

cursory attention

Highlights the brief and quick nature of the attention given.

brief curiosity

Focuses on the short-lived nature of the inquisitive feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing interest" to indicate a slight or casual interest in something. For example, "She expressed a "passing interest" in learning to play the guitar, but never took lessons".

What's a good substitute for "passing interest"?

Alternatives to "passing interest" include "fleeting interest", "casual interest", or "slight interest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more than a passing interest"?

Yes, saying "more than a passing interest" is correct and implies a deeper engagement or stronger curiosity than just a casual one. For instance, "He showed more than a "passing interest" in the project and dedicated extra hours to its completion".

What is the difference between "passing interest" and "deep interest"?

"Passing interest" suggests a temporary or superficial curiosity, while "deep interest" indicates a strong, sustained involvement and commitment to a topic or activity. It’s a difference in the intensity and duration of the interest.