slight interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minimal or low level of curiosity or engagement in a particular subject or topic. Example: "Although I have a slight interest in gardening, I prefer to spend my time on other hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The Knicks have only a slight interest in Roberts, who may be headed to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The New York Times - Sports

At occurrences of even slight interest, a forest of boom mikes converged, while video cameras pointed here and there promiscuously.

The New Yorker

I think there might be a slight interest from my kids in that side of things but the complication isn't worth it to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm now going to declare a slight interest, in that since then he's been gracious enough to invite my daughter and I backstage to say hello at gigs.

The Guardian - Music

Through Sunday Anyone with even a slight interest in contemporary photography should go to Dumbo for the New York Photo Festival this weekend.

The New York Times - Arts

I suspect there may have been an exam passage on soccer or cowboys, some topic of witheringly slight interest to them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Not that they showed the slightest interest in me anyway.

The Guardian - Books

He doesn't have the slightest interest in fooling around.

The New Yorker

He has never had the slightest interest in bookish society.

The Guardian

None of the other customers paid the slightest interest.

The Guardian

The police have never shown the slightest interest.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a polite but not enthusiastic response, use "slight interest" to convey a measured level of engagement without overstating enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "slight interest" when you intend to express genuine excitement or strong curiosity. This phrase is best suited for situations where understatement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight interest" functions as a noun phrase where "slight" modifies the noun "interest". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It indicates a minimal level of curiosity or engagement in something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight interest" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to convey a minimal level of curiosity or engagement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and science. When using this phrase, it is essential to understand that it expresses a subdued level of enthusiasm, as using it when needing to show higher levels of engagement will be inappropriate. Instead you should use synonyms like "keen interest" or "strong interest". The phrase is considered neutral to professional in terms of register, making it versatile for different types of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint interest

Indicates an even weaker level of engagement than "slight interest".

small interest

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar minimal level of interest.

limited interest

Focuses on the restricted nature of the interest.

minimal interest

Highlights the extremely low degree of interest.

passing interest

Implies the interest is temporary and not deep.

casual interest

Suggests a relaxed and not very serious form of interest.

fleeting interest

Highlights the brief duration of the interest.

moderate interest

Suggests a level of interest that is neither strong nor weak, a step above "slight".

superficial interest

Indicates the interest is not profound or thorough.

token interest

Suggests the interest is shown only for appearances or politeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight interest" to indicate a minimal or low level of curiosity or engagement. For example, "Although I have a "slight interest" in gardening, I prefer to spend my time on other hobbies."

What are some alternatives to "slight interest"?

You can use alternatives like "faint interest", "small interest", or "limited interest" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slight interest" or "no interest at all"?

The choice depends on the situation. "Slight interest" implies some level of curiosity, however minimal, while "no interest at all" indicates a complete lack of engagement.

Can "slight interest" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "slight interest" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to express a measured or understated level of engagement. It conveys politeness without overstating enthusiasm, and it's less committal than claiming "keen interest".