show interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"show interest" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example, "Angela showed a lot of interest in the project and asked many questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eyebrows show interest, engagement and understanding.

The New York Times

But you've got to show interest.

The New York Times

Few show interest in the speaker.

The Economist

Tokyo has finally begun to show interest.

The New York Times

N.F.L. scouts began to show interest.

The New York Times - Sports

Collectors began to show interest.

The New York Times - Arts

7. Consumers (finally) show interest in sustainable products.

Harvard Business Review

THIER: Other entities are starting to show interest.

MIT Technology Review

Neither of his two sons show interest in his job.

The New York Times

"I couldn't get any labels to show interest, even ESP.

The New York Times

But he did show interest in someone else's emotions — mine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When trying to connect with someone, "show interest" by asking open-ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences. This demonstrates genuine curiosity and fosters a deeper connection.

Common error

Avoid feigning interest simply to be polite. People can often detect insincerity. Instead, find genuine points of connection and actively listen to understand their perspectives. Ask follow-up questions based on what they've shared to demonstrate you're truly engaged, but don't be afraid of moving the conversation towards a different topic when you have asked all the pertinent questions about that area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show interest" functions as a verb phrase, where "show" is the main verb and "interest" is the object. Ludwig indicates its correct and usable nature in written English. Its primary grammatical function is to describe the action of displaying or exhibiting interest in something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show interest" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that expresses engagement and curiosity. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. It's most prevalent in news and media outlets and online wikis. When employing this phrase, focus on genuine attentiveness to avoid insincerity. Alternatives include "express curiosity" or "take an interest", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. In essence, "show interest" is a reliable and effective means of demonstrating engagement and attentiveness in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take an interest

Indicates the act of adopting or developing an interest, rather than just showing pre-existing one.

express curiosity

Emphasizes the outward expression of inquisitiveness, differing from simply displaying interest.

indicate engagement

Implies a state of being involved and participating, going beyond just showing passive interest.

evince curiosity

Highlights the demonstration of curiosity through one's actions or words.

demonstrate enthusiasm

Highlights a strong and positive emotional response, going beyond mere interest.

reveal curiosity

Emphasizes the act of making one's inquisitiveness known, focusing on disclosure.

display attentiveness

Focuses on the act of paying attention, emphasizing active listening and observation.

exhibit concern

Suggests a deeper level of care and attentiveness, differing from simple interest.

manifest concern

Highlights the outward demonstration of worry or care, differing from simple interest.

give attention to

Highlights the act of directing focus and effort towards something, suggesting a commitment of resources.

FAQs

How can I "show interest" in a conversation without interrupting?

Use non-verbal cues like nodding, maintaining eye contact, and smiling to "show interest". You can also offer brief verbal affirmations such as "I see" or "That's interesting" to signal your engagement without disrupting the speaker.

What's the difference between "showing interest" and being nosy?

"Showing interest" involves asking relevant and respectful questions to understand someone's perspective or learn more about a topic. Being nosy, on the other hand, involves asking intrusive or overly personal questions that are not appropriate for the context or relationship.

What are some professional ways to "show interest" during a job interview?

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's goals, culture, and the specific role. During the interview, actively listen to the interviewer's responses and "ask follow-up questions" to demonstrate your genuine interest and engagement.

Is there a way to "show interest" without being overwhelming?

Start with small gestures of interest, such as asking about someone's day or remembering details they've shared in previous conversations. Avoid bombarding them with too many questions at once or pushing for a deeper connection before they're ready.