wary interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wary interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cautious or guarded curiosity about something, often implying a sense of skepticism or concern. Example: "She approached the new project with a wary interest, unsure of its potential risks and benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Wilson, for his part, said he was watching the case with wary interest.

The New York Times

But I followed Maxwell's career with wary interest and despaired when he finally got his grubby hands on a Fleet Street title.

The Guardian

He has with him a box of records – "I'm doing my radio show straight after this" – and shows wary interest in what I've brought to the party: a selection of questions from our readers.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Still, some strategists remain wary that high interest rates may derail the stock market.

The New York Times

Insofar as other Queens residents could be found, they, too, were wary of outside interest in their borough.

The New Yorker

It looks like an economy where the central bank might be a little bit wary about raising interest rates.

The Guardian - Business

With the Republicans in control of both houses of Congress and the Federal Reserve wary of more interest rate cuts, the administration could bear an unusual amount of responsibility for the economy's direction.

The New York Times

Being wary of changing interest rates, the key for 2011 is to keep your bonds in a laddered portfolio.

Forbes

Archer said that the central bank would be wary of trimming interest rates in the face of high oil prices, food inflation and "excessively buoyant" money-supply growth.

Forbes

Wary of rising interest rates next year, she's predicting earnings growth for home builders of only 11% versus a 34% gain between 2003 and 2004.

Forbes

Some said that they were unsure how to evaluate online information or that they were wary of commercial interests behind some information sources.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wary interest" when you want to convey both curiosity and a degree of caution or skepticism. It's suitable for describing reactions to situations or proposals that seem promising but potentially risky.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "wary interest" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "curious but cautious" or "interested but concerned" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wary interest" functions as a noun phrase, where "wary" modifies the noun "interest". According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a cautious or guarded curiosity about something. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing a careful observation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wary interest" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a blend of curiosity and caution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not very common, it's most often found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the situation truly warrants emphasizing both interest and caution; otherwise, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid using it too casually, as it can sound overly formal. The phrase suggests a nuanced attitude, reflecting both intrigue and a degree of skepticism or concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guarded curiosity

Emphasizes the aspect of being protected or defended in one's curiosity.

cautious curiosity

Highlights the careful and hesitant nature of the curiosity.

guarded attention

Highlights a careful and protected form of attention.

circumspect attention

Suggests a more formal and careful observation.

hesitant curiosity

Implies a paused or reluctant form of curiosity.

reserved interest

Implies a restrained or unenthusiastic form of interest.

apprehensive intrigue

Combines fascination with a sense of anxiety or concern.

watchful attention

Focuses on being alert and observant.

suspicious interest

Suggests a degree of mistrust or doubt.

attentive skepticism

Highlights the skeptical perspective while still being attentive.

FAQs

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

You can use "wary interest" to describe someone's attitude toward something potentially risky or uncertain. For example, "She approached the new project with "wary interest", unsure of its potential risks and benefits."

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

Alternatives to "wary interest" include "guarded curiosity", "cautious curiosity", or "reserved interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wary interest" the same as "guarded interest"?

While similar, "wary interest" emphasizes caution stemming from potential danger or deception, whereas "guarded interest" suggests a more general protectiveness or reservation.

When is it appropriate to use "wary interest" instead of simply "interest"?

Use "wary interest" when you specifically want to highlight the element of caution, suspicion, or concern alongside the interest. If there's no particular reason to emphasize caution, simply "interest" may suffice.