substantive interest

USAGE SUMMARY

Substantive interest is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a special interest in something, particularly a lasting or important one. For example, "He always had a substantive interest in history and read up on it whenever he had the chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"They have shown not only respect but substantive interest in Al and Tipper".

The New York Times

The first two complications are of substantive interest, whereas the third is a nuisance.

Harvard University

Racial composition and unemployment have appeared as either theoretically-relevant controls or variables of substantive interest in numerous studies of crime.

Social Science Research

There is only one substantive interest to be protected, and hence "no divided loyalty" of the subsidiary's directors and no need for special scrutiny of their actions.

Harvard University

Macarthur said it had "no further information about the context or content of that discussion, nor whether Xstrata has any substantive interest in Macarthur or any of its assets".

The New York Times

g) Identifying your specialty and audience: Presenting at diverse conference settings has enabled me to identify the different sub-fields within which I can situate my work, and the kind of audience with whose substantive interest I can relate.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Florencia Torche is a social scientist with substantive interests in social demography, stratification, and education.

Stanford University

The School brings together students with a wide variety of past experiences, prior education, and substantive interests.

Yale University

These positions are open to scholars from any discipline with substantive interests related to either health or healthcare.

Yale University

His substantive interests include the study of schools as social organizations and the social embeddedness of natural resource use.

Columbia University

She is a historical sociologist with substantive interests in sociology of religion, political sociology, human rights, and international law.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive interest" to convey a genuine and significant level of interest, going beyond superficial curiosity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive interest" when you mean a personal or emotional preference. "Substantive" implies a tangible and important basis for the interest, not just a feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantive" modifies the noun "interest". It indicates that the interest is not superficial, but rather significant and based on a solid foundation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

Science

40%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive interest" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a deep, meaningful, and genuine engagement with a subject or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the depth of the interest you intend to convey. Consider alternative phrases like "genuine concern" or "deep involvement" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid confusing it with subjective feelings or fleeting curiosities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine concern

Replaces "interest" with "concern", emphasizing a sincere feeling of care or worry.

deep involvement

Highlights a strong level of engagement and participation.

significant attention

Substitutes "interest" with "attention", highlighting the amount of focus given to a particular subject.

serious dedication

Emphasizes commitment and a strong work ethic.

profound curiosity

Replaces "interest" with "curiosity", emphasizing a deep sense of wanting to know or learn something.

earnest enthusiasm

Highlights sincerity and a positive attitude.

considerable investment

Focuses on the amount of resources or effort dedicated to something.

marked inclination

Indicates a noticeable preference or tendency.

real stake

Implies having something important to gain or lose.

major preoccupation

Suggests something that dominates one's thoughts or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantive interest" to describe a deep and significant engagement with a particular topic or activity. For example: "She demonstrated a "substantive interest" in environmental policy through her research and activism."

What's the difference between "substantive interest" and "casual interest"?

"Substantive interest" implies a deep and meaningful engagement, while "casual interest" suggests a more superficial and fleeting curiosity. A "substantive interest" often involves dedicated study and effort.

What are some synonyms for "substantive interest"?

Alternatives to "substantive interest" include "genuine concern", "deep involvement", or "profound curiosity", each emphasizing different aspects of the interest.

Is it correct to say someone has a "substantive interest" in a hobby?

Yes, it is correct, especially if they are deeply involved in the hobby. For example, "He has a "substantive interest" in woodworking, spending hours in his workshop crafting intricate designs."