popular interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "popular interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to topics, activities, or issues that attract widespread attention or concern among the general public. Example: "The documentary on climate change has sparked a surge in popular interest, leading to more discussions about environmental policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The level of popular interest in contested states was high.

The New York Times - Books

But popular interest in her activities clearly discomfited the junta.

The Economist

Popular interest in the nomination race has begun to decline.

The New York Times

Gradually, however, popular interest in such measures diminished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We think there's a popular interest," Ms. North said.

The New York Times

Suddenly, when the popular interest is represented, then it's politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their ideas have attracted popular interest, but haven't changed the way most conservation organizations work.

The New York Times

By happy coincidence, it arrived just as the space programme awakened popular interest in the heavens.

The Economist

Japan's courts are not usually the subject of massive popular interest in the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also arrives amid a recent wave of popular interest in the Revolutionary generation.

The New Yorker

During the Depression, popular interest shifted away from hand decoration to machine-made industrial designs.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "popular interest", consider quantifying it with data or statistics to add credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "popular interest" when you actually mean "personal interest". "Popular interest" refers to broad public attention, not individual preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popular interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a widespread public concern or enthusiasm for a particular topic, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "popular interest" is a versatile noun phrase indicating widespread public attention or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "public attention" and "general awareness" exist, "popular interest" specifically highlights the element of widespread enthusiasm or curiosity. Be mindful to differentiate it from "personal interest" to avoid confusion. Considering its prevalence and diverse applicability, mastering the use of "popular interest" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public attention

Focuses more on the act of noticing rather than the inherent interest.

general awareness

Emphasizes knowledge rather than active interest.

widespread concern

Highlights a sense of worry or importance, rather than simple interest.

common curiosity

Focuses on the aspect of inquisitiveness.

national attention

Specifies the interest is within a country.

prevailing trend

Highlights the popularity aspect as a current fashion.

community interest

Specifies the interest belongs to a small group.

consumer demand

Highlights the demand for a service or product.

market demand

Relates to economic interest in a certain market.

general enthusiasm

Focuses on passion rather than simple interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "popular interest" to describe widespread attention or concern towards a topic. For example, "There is growing "popular interest" in renewable energy sources".

What's a good alternative to "popular interest"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "public attention", "general awareness", or "widespread concern".

Is it appropriate to use "popular interest" in formal writing?

Yes, "popular interest" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing trends or public sentiment. Its usage is widespread across "news and media", academic articles, and encyclopedias.

How does "popular interest" differ from "public interest"?

"Popular interest" refers to what is widely liked or followed by the public, while "public interest" relates to matters concerning the welfare of the general public. They are related, but not interchangeable.