spark of interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spark of interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or initial feeling of curiosity or enthusiasm about a subject or activity. Example: "During the presentation, she noticed a spark of interest in the audience when she discussed the innovative features of the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"This was the spark of interest," he says, "feeling at once disgusted and horrified but also really interested and intrigued".

The Guardian

The idea of discovering the sympathetic connection between men whose images have become fodder for such diverse cultural commentary provides the play with a vital spark of interest.

The New York Times

A graduate of the London School of Economics, Smith studied monetary economics and development economics: "That was the first spark of interest in development issues.

Independent

In recent years, any spark of interest that baseball has given me has led me to revisit my past allegiance rather than develop a new one.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever the intention of this hard reboot, I have to confess that it's reignited a spark of interest in this sophomore season.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Stuart Herman remembers clearly his first spark of interest: "I know I was 9 years old when a neighbor, Larry Ford, bought a Stanley Steamer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

By learning to make something, no matter how basic, Ms. Yurshansky said, "you can spark the light of interest".

The New York Times

In early 1994, Ms. Tingle, then a senior in college, said she felt a spark of romantic interest while packing for a student trip to West Africa.

The New York Times - Style

In later years, they pointed to their experience with the toy as the initial spark of their interest in flying.

Wikipedia

Mr. Rivera's private life tends to spark a lot of interest here.

The New York Times

Sometimes, it seems, simply being absent for long enough is itself enough to spark a revival of interest.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to cultivate someone's curiosity, create an open atmosphere. By removing perceived judgment, you enable initial thoughts to grow into a "spark of interest".

Common error

Be mindful of using "spark of interest" when the situation only warrants a passing thought. Reserve it for moments where genuine, albeit nascent, curiosity is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark of interest" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an initial feeling of curiosity or enthusiasm, indicating the beginning of a potential engagement or involvement. Ludwig confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spark of interest" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an initial feeling of curiosity or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using "spark of interest", consider alternatives like "flicker of curiosity" or "glimmer of enthusiasm" to add nuance, and be mindful of overstating genuine curiosity. The phrase's versatility and wide range of applications make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flicker of curiosity

Emphasizes a brief, unsteady initial interest.

glimmer of enthusiasm

Highlights a faint, nascent excitement.

hint of intrigue

Focuses on a subtle, mysterious appeal.

shade of curiosity

Implies a slight inclination towards inquisitiveness.

sign of engagement

Indicates a visible involvement or participation.

touch of fascination

Suggests a mild yet captivating appeal.

semblance of concern

Suggests a superficial or outward display of care or worry.

whisper of excitement

Highlights a barely audible or noticeable thrill.

iota of attention

Emphasizes a very small amount of focus or notice.

fragment of passion

Suggests a small piece of deep feeling or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "spark of interest" in a sentence?

You can use "spark of interest" to describe an initial feeling of curiosity or enthusiasm. For example, "The speaker's anecdote ignited a spark of interest in the audience."

What's a good alternative to "spark of interest"?

Alternatives include "flicker of curiosity", "glimmer of enthusiasm", or "hint of intrigue", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "spark of interest" in formal writing?

Yes, "spark of interest" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, academia, and business.

What causes a "spark of interest"?

A "spark of interest" can be ignited by various factors, such as novelty, relevance, emotional connection, or intellectual stimulation. It often marks the beginning of a deeper engagement with a subject or activity.