vested interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vested interest" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You use "vested interest" to refer to an existing benefit that someone has, or a situation in which someone has an emotional or financial interest in the outcome of something. For example: The former president of the company had a vested interest in its success, so she was reluctant to change policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least one reader expressed a vested interest.

The New York Times

Big state enterprises are vested interest groups.

Forbes

The problem: vested interest.

Huffington Post

Potential vested interest?

The Guardian

Many have a vested interest, however.

The Economist

Fowler has a vested interest.

The Guardian - Sport

"I had a vested interest.

The Guardian - Film

I admit I've got a vested interest.

The Guardian

Do I have a vested interest?

The Guardian

Everyone has a vested interest, it seems.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've got a vested interest," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vested interest", clearly identify who holds the interest and what they stand to gain or lose. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Don't assume your audience automatically grasps the "vested interest" at play. Explicitly state the connection between the individual/group and the potential benefit or detriment to ensure comprehension and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vested interest" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating it's a standard construction. It identifies an individual's or group's stake, benefit, or involvement in a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vested interest" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a personal or financial stake in a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and frequent use of this phrase. It is most often found in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. When using "vested interest", it's important to clearly identify who holds the interest and what they stand to gain or lose. Remember, while the phrase is generally neutral, it can imply a potential bias or conflict of interest. Alternatives such as "personal stake" or "financial stake" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal stake

Emphasizes the personal involvement and potential gain or loss associated with something.

financial stake

Specifically highlights the financial implications and potential monetary benefits.

conflict of interest

Highlights a situation where personal interests could compromise impartiality.

axe to grind

Implies a hidden agenda or personal reason for promoting a particular viewpoint.

self-serving motive

Focuses on the selfish nature of the underlying motivation.

ulterior motive

Suggests a hidden or unacknowledged reason behind one's actions.

personal agenda

Emphasizes the individual's plan and how it might be influencing decisions.

special interest

Refers to a particular group or cause that someone is dedicated to.

bias

Highlights a prejudice or inclination towards a particular outcome.

investment

Focuses on the resources committed, whether financial, emotional, or time-related.

FAQs

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

You can use "vested interest" to describe someone having a personal or financial stake in an outcome. For example, "The company's shareholders have a "financial stake" and therefore a "vested interest" in its profitability".

What's the difference between "vested interest" and "conflict of interest"?

"Vested interest" simply means having a stake in something, whereas "conflict of interest" implies that the vested interest could compromise impartiality or objectivity.

Are there any synonyms for "vested interest"?

Yes, some synonyms include "personal stake", ""financial stake"", or "personal agenda", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "vested interest"?

It's appropriate to use "vested interest" when you want to highlight that someone's involvement or opinion is influenced by a personal stake they have in the outcome. Be sure to consider if a more negative connotation like "ulterior motive" is more fitting.