tentative interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a preliminary or uncertain level of interest in something, often before making a final decision. Example: "After the presentation, I expressed my tentative interest in the new project, but I needed more information before committing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

President Obama has expressed only tentative interest.

The New York Times

AC Milan have shown a tentative interest in recent weeks while former club Everton have been reported as prospective suitors.

Independent

He said international textile manufacturers had recently shown tentative interest in working with the local indigo dyers.

The Guardian

The Reds have held a tentative interest in the 24-year-old after he figured prominently for the Ukraine against England in last year's World Cup qualifiers.

Independent

Former captains Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart have all shown a tentative interest, though the precise job specification has yet to be made public.

The Guardian - Sport

The striker attracted tentative interest from City before Norwich's asking price was hiked to £7.25m, a fee West Ham matched in January.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Puss is given a tentative romantic interest in the feisty and seductive Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), who first appears in disguise and eventually becomes his sidekick and partner in crime.

The New York Times

Their own tentative stirrings of interest -- he has sworn off relationships altogether; she has an on-again off-again thing going with an especially smarmy young Ash scholar -- are interwoven with the grand passion of their research subjects.

The New York Times

No other initiative has more near-term potential to ease the NATO-Russian relationship out of its petulant, impacted state, while giving a positive jolt to the revived but tentative and unfocused interest in an improved and more inclusive European security system, than missile-defense cooperation.

The New York Times

The conversation turned to the current state of investing in health tech startups, an sector of startups that has seen tentative but growing interest from venture capitalists.

TechCrunch

MONEY AND INTEREST RATES Tentative signs of a slowdown in the American economy pushed the yield on 30-year Treasury bonds down to 6.02%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentative interest" to accurately reflect a preliminary or uncertain level of interest, especially when further information or consideration is needed before committing to a more definitive position.

Common error

Avoid using "tentative interest" when the level of engagement is already strong or decided. Ensure the descriptor accurately reflects the level of uncertainty or preliminary consideration involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "tentative" modifies the noun "interest". It indicates a preliminary, uncertain, or hesitant level of interest, often implying that further information or consideration is needed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative interest" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes a preliminary or uncertain level of interest. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. As derived from Ludwig's analysis, its primary function is as a noun phrase, conveying cautious engagement particularly in news, media, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately reflects the degree of uncertainty or preliminary consideration involved, and consider using alternatives like "preliminary interest" or "initial interest" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary interest

Focuses on the initial stage of interest, emphasizing the early nature of the engagement.

initial interest

Highlights the beginning of interest, suggesting it's the first indication of curiosity.

cautious interest

Emphasizes the careful and reserved nature of the interest being shown.

guarded interest

Suggests a protected or restrained form of interest, possibly due to uncertainty.

qualified interest

Indicates interest that is subject to certain conditions or reservations.

experimental interest

Highlights an approach based on trying something out, testing.

hesitant interest

Indicates a reluctance or pause before showing interest.

undeveloped interest

Focuses on the immaturity of an interest that needs to grow.

potential interest

Suggests that interest is possible but not yet fully realized.

exploratory interest

Highlights the investigatory nature of the interest, seeking to learn more.

FAQs

How to use "tentative interest" in a sentence?

You can use "tentative interest" to express a preliminary or uncertain level of interest in something. For example: "The company showed "tentative interest" in the new technology, but needed more data before investing."

What can I say instead of "tentative interest"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary interest", "initial interest", or "cautious interest" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a tentative interest" or simply "tentative interest"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Tentative interest" (without the article) is more common and generally preferred when referring to the concept or general state. "A tentative interest" can be used to describe a specific instance of showing interest.

What's the difference between "tentative interest" and "firm interest"?

"Tentative interest" implies a preliminary or uncertain level of interest, whereas "firm interest" indicates a strong and definite level of interest. They are opposites in terms of commitment.