preliminary interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"preliminary interest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe initial curiosity or enthusiasm in something before making a decision. For example: "After hearing more about the job opportunities at ABC Corporation, I have some preliminary interest in exploring the possibility of working there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Pershing has been for sale for months and has drawn preliminary interest from several suitors.

The New York Times

The Mets have indicated a preliminary interest in Ken, Adam Katz, Caminiti's agent, said yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Of the nine communities originally considered, two have expressed preliminary interest in the project.

Harvard University

Former Standard Chartered boss Mervyn Davies was said to be heading up one consortium, while Singapore fund Temasek was also reported to have expressed preliminary interest.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Phillips did not identify a buyer but said he had "received preliminary interest" from a number of Google's existing partners.

The New York Times - Tech

When they do get involved in research, they do it to support their campaigns, and it does not constitute their preliminary interest.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

However, evidence from North America and Australia is divided as to whether these attachments reinforce preliminary interests or engender new motivation for rural practice [ 16, 17].

BMC Medical Education

His statement on lucasradebe.com read: "Following recent speculation, I can confirm that I am part of a consortium which has submitted a preliminary indication of interest regarding the acquisition of a stake in Leeds United Football Club.

The Guardian - Sport

He said on his website:  "I can confirm that I am part of a consortium which has submitted a preliminary indication of interest regarding the acquisition of a stake in Leeds United.

BBC

Eight bidders have submitted preliminary letters of interest.

The New York Times

Mr. O'Brien's representatives had already received some preliminary indications of interest from at least two other television companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary interest", be prepared to follow up with more concrete actions or inquiries to demonstrate genuine intent. Letting the other party know that you are just gathering information at this stage can set appropriate expectations.

Common error

Don't assume that expressing "preliminary interest" guarantees a future commitment. Make it clear that further evaluation is needed to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies the noun "interest". It typically indicates an initial or early stage of consideration, curiosity, or potential engagement. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary interest" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an initial stage of curiosity or engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across news, scientific, and academic contexts. It is helpful to remember that expressing "preliminary interest" does not equate to a final commitment, but rather signals an intent to explore further. When using this phrase, ensure you are prepared to follow up with more detailed actions. Alternatives such as "initial enthusiasm" or "early curiosity" can be used to fine-tune the message based on the context. Understanding the nuances of this expression can help you communicate intentions effectively in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary indication of interest

Adds 'indication of' to emphasize the expression of interest, rather than just the interest itself.

initial enthusiasm

Replaces "interest" with "enthusiasm", suggesting a stronger, more active form of initial engagement.

tentative interest

Emphasizes the hesitant or provisional nature of the interest.

early curiosity

Focuses on the aspect of curiosity as the primary driver of the initial interest.

exploratory inclination

Uses more formal language, highlighting the act of exploring as part of the initial interest.

fledgling interest

Uses "fledgling" to highlight the nascent or developing nature of the interest.

basic level of interest

Specifies that the interest is at a fundamental or entry-level stage.

starting consideration

Shifts the focus to the act of considering something from the beginning.

superficial interest

Implies that the interest is not very deep or serious.

initial assessment

Indicates the start of an evaluation or judgment process.

FAQs

How to use "preliminary interest" in a sentence?

"Preliminary interest" describes an early stage of curiosity or engagement. For example, "We've received some preliminary interest in terms of looking at the stadium" or "The Mets have indicated a preliminary interest in Ken".

What's the difference between "initial interest" and "preliminary interest"?

"Initial interest" and "preliminary interest" are often interchangeable, but "initial interest" might suggest a slightly stronger level of curiosity than "preliminary interest", which emphasizes the early, fact-finding stage.

What can I say instead of "preliminary interest"?

You can use alternatives like "initial enthusiasm", "early curiosity", or "tentative interest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to express "preliminary interest" in a job?

Yes, expressing "preliminary interest" is a good way to start a conversation about a job. It signals that you are exploring opportunities without committing fully. Make sure to follow up with more detailed questions to show genuine engagement.