special interest

USAGE SUMMARY

"special interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an area of knowledge or activity that someone is particularly enthusiastic about. For example: "He has a special interest in art, and is always trying new techniques in his work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Special interest won".

The New York Times

Special interest and cause groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Lily" is of special interest.

The New York Times - Arts

Island life exhibits features of special interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Radioactive chemical tracers are of special interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lee took a special interest in Jane.

The New York Times

Today environmentalism is just another special interest".

The Economist

The following three are of special interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Three other features are of special interest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Friends, donors, campaign supporters, special-interest groups.

The New York Times

Special-interest groups dominate politics today.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "special interest" to describe a hobby or passion, provide context. For example: "Her special interest in astronomy led her to build her own telescope."

Common error

Be mindful of the difference between a "special interest", which is a personal passion, and a "conflict of interest", which is a situation where personal interests could unduly influence decisions. Using them interchangeably can lead to miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special interest" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to a particular area of enthusiasm, expertise, or concern. Ludwig AI shows its widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

25%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "special interest" functions as a noun phrase denoting a specific area of focus or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct and that the expression is widely used. While versatile, it's important to note potential negative connotations in political contexts. Related phrases include "particular interest" and "specific focus". Be mindful of differentiating between a personal "special interest" and a "conflict of interest". Ludwig's analysis of source types reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular interest

Replaces "special" with "particular", emphasizing a specific focus.

specific focus

Uses "focus" instead of "interest", highlighting a concentrated attention.

keen interest

Substitutes "special" with "keen", suggesting a strong enthusiasm.

strong interest

Uses "strong" in place of "special" to denote intensity of interest.

personal interest

Emphasizes that the interest is related to personal preferences.

area of expertise

Refers to the specific area where someone has deep knowledge.

pet subject

Suggests a topic that someone particularly enjoys discussing.

primary concern

Highlights the main area of focus or worry.

favorite subject

Indicates a preferred topic or area of study.

unique preoccupation

Suggests an absorbing interest that is particular to an individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "special interest" to describe a particular area of enthusiasm or expertise. For example, "He has a "keen interest" in history."

What's a good alternative to "special interest"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "particular interest", "specific focus", or "primary concern".

Is it correct to say "area of special interest"?

Yes, "area of special interest" is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote a particular field or subject that someone is very interested in. You can also use "area of expertise".

Can "special interest" refer to something negative?

While "special interest" itself isn't inherently negative, it's often used in political contexts to describe groups that lobby for their own benefit, sometimes to the detriment of the public good. Be mindful of the connotation.