true interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a genuine or authentic interest in a subject or activity. Example: "Her true interest in environmental conservation became evident when she volunteered for several local initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you think they are trying to make you think they are your friends and they are only interested in what you have, simulate situations where you can discover their true interest in you.

WikiHow

Only the Rams showed true interest.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if your only true interest is increased excellence.

The Guardian

It suggests that his true interest still lies in actions rather than objects.

The New York Times

The orchestra and singers played and sang finely and with a true interest.

The New York Times - Arts

Their true interest, they say, is promoting spiritual education and culture.

The New York Times

This, roughly translated, means that I have never experienced true interest and am therefore probably ugly.

The Guardian

Berry looks at the history, but his true interest is the American church's use of funds in its current crisis.

The New York Times - Books

I was an economics major, but my true interest was playing soccer and lacrosse; I was captain of both teams.

The New York Times

All agree that the West sheds crocodile tears for Darfur to disguise its true interest in Sudan's untapped riches.

The Economist

As a youth, Botero attended a school for matadors for several years, but his true interest was in art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey sincerity or authenticity, using "true interest" can add weight to your statement. Ensure that the context supports the claim of genuineness.

Common error

Avoid using "true interest" when the context implies superficiality or ulterior motives. Overusing it in such cases can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "true" modifies the noun "interest". This combination emphasizes the genuineness or authenticity of the interest. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe passions, motivations, or intrinsic desires.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true interest" is a common and grammatically sound way to express genuine enthusiasm or engagement, as affirmed by Ludwig. Analysis reveals it functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing authenticity and sincerity. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "genuine interest" or "real interest" exist, "true interest" carries a weight of inherent passion. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for contexts where sincerity is paramount to avoid undermining credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine interest

Replaces "true" with "genuine", emphasizing sincerity and authenticity.

real interest

Substitutes "true" with "real", focusing on the actuality and validity of the interest.

sincere interest

Emphasizes the honesty and lack of pretense in the interest.

authentic interest

Highlights the originality and unimitated nature of the interest.

profound interest

Indicates a deep and intense level of interest.

deep-seated interest

Suggests that the interest is firmly established and long-lasting.

unfeigned interest

Stresses that the interest is not pretended or artificial.

earnest interest

Conveys a serious and heartfelt interest.

legitimate interest

Highlights that the interest is valid and justifiable.

substantial interest

Indicates that the interest is significant and considerable.

FAQs

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

You can use "true interest" to describe someone's genuine enthusiasm for a topic, as in "Her true interest lies in marine biology" or "He showed a true interest in helping others".

What's the difference between "true interest" and "genuine interest"?

While both phrases convey sincerity, "true interest" can sometimes imply a deeper, more inherent passion, whereas "genuine interest" focuses more on the absence of pretense.

Which is correct, "true interest" or "real interest"?

Both "true interest" and "real interest" are correct and widely used. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey; "true" suggests authenticity, while "real" emphasizes actuality.

What can I say instead of "true interest" to sound more formal?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "demonstrated commitment", "sincere dedication", or "profound engagement" instead of "true interest".