show interest in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show interest in" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about demonstrating enthusiasm or curiosity about a certain topic or person. For example: "My professor noticed that I was showing interest in the research project, so he offered me the opportunity to be a part of his team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will Jack ever show interest in being clean?

Huffington Post

Few show interest in the speaker.

The Economist

He was beginning to show interest in the stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither of his two sons show interest in his job.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

His aides say he does not show interest in details, except occasionally to test their thoroughness.

The New York Times - Magazine

One of the first to show interest in the renovated shopping center was Home Depot.

The New York Times

What's needed now, says Lucas, is for retailers to show interest in small farms.

The Guardian

He'd be great with my mother, who loves tall men who show interest in her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do I show interest in making things?

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Lawmakers are beginning to show interest in regulating these activities.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show interest in" when you want to convey a general sense of curiosity or engagement with a topic or person. This phrase is appropriate for a wide variety of contexts.

Common error

Avoid substituting "show interest in" with overly formal or stilted language unless the context specifically calls for it. Simpler, more direct alternatives like "take an interest in" are often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show interest in" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of displaying curiosity or engagement towards a subject, person, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, evidenced by numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show interest in" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express curiosity, engagement, or attentiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "express curiosity about" or "demonstrate enthusiasm for" exist, "show interest in" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various communication styles. Remember to use this phrase to convey genuine engagement, and avoid overly formal substitutions unless required by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take an interest in

A more general and common way to express interest.

express curiosity about

Focuses more on expressing curiosity than just showing interest.

demonstrate enthusiasm for

Implies a stronger, more active display of interest.

be intrigued by

Suggests a sense of fascination or captivation.

develop an interest in

Implies a gradual growth of interest over time.

be keen on

A more informal way to express strong interest or liking.

display attentiveness to

Emphasizes paying attention and being observant.

feel drawn to

Suggests an instinctive or emotional attraction.

have a passion for

Implies a very strong and intense interest.

begin to appreciate

Indicates a growing understanding and interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "show interest in" to describe someone expressing curiosity or engagement. For instance, "The students began to show interest in the topic after the guest speaker's presentation."

What is a more formal way to say "show interest in"?

While "show interest in" is suitable for most situations, you could use phrases like "express curiosity about" or "demonstrate enthusiasm for" in more formal contexts.

Is it better to say "show interest in" or "take interest in"?

"Show interest in" and "take interest in" are largely interchangeable and both grammatically correct. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific flow of your writing.

What does it mean to "show interest in" someone?

To "show interest in" someone means to express curiosity about them, their life, their thoughts, or their experiences. It involves asking questions, listening attentively, and engaging with them in a way that indicates you care about what they have to say.