- Have you ever felt unsure whether to use “in” or “on” after the word interest?
- Do you want to describe a hobby or a business deal without sounding like a textbook?
- Are you confused by the difference between a “passing interest” and a “vested interest”?
Mastering interest collocations is a vital step toward English fluency. In English, words don’t live in isolation; they travel in “word partnerships.” By learning which words naturally sit next to “interest,” you reduce your cognitive load, sound more like a native speaker, and avoid the common trap of translating directly from your native language.
Essential Collocations using Interest as a Noun
The word “interest” most commonly functions as a noun. It can refer to a feeling of curiosity, a hobby, or a financial charge. Here is how to use it correctly in various contexts.
1. Verbs Used with Interest
These are the action words we use to describe how interest starts, grows, or is shown.
- Express interest: To say or show that you want to know more about something.
Example: “Several investors have expressed interest in the new startup.” - Pique/Spark interest: To suddenly make someone feel curious.
Example: “The mysterious headline piqued my interest immediately.” - Take an interest (in): To become involved or start caring about something.
Example: “My mentor took a keen interest in my career development.” - Lose interest: To stop being curious or involved.
Example: “The audience lost interest halfway through the long presentation.” - Declare an interest: (Formal/Legal) To admit you have a connection to something that might cause a conflict.
Example: “Before the vote, the councilman had to declare an interest.”
2. Adjectives Used with Interest
Adjectives help define the “strength” or “type” of interest you have.
- Keen interest: A very strong, enthusiastic interest.
Example: “She has a keen interest in 19th-century architecture.” - Passing interest: A brief or weak interest that doesn’t last long.
Example: “I only have a passing interest in football; I only watch the finals.” - Vested interest: A strong personal reason for wanting something to succeed (often for financial or power reasons).
Example: “The oil company has a vested interest in keeping fuel prices high.” - Widespread interest: When many people are curious about a topic.
Example: “There is widespread interest in the new environmental laws.”
3. Business and Finance Collocations
In a professional or banking context, “interest” usually refers to money.
- Interest rate: The percentage charged by a bank.
Example: “The central bank decided to raise the interest rate to fight inflation.” - Accrue interest: When interest grows or accumulates over time.
Example: “Your savings account will accrue interest on a monthly basis.” - Conflict of interest: A situation where your private interests interfere with your professional duties.
Example: “Hiring his daughter created a clear conflict of interest.”
Common Collocations with Interest as a Verb
While less frequent than the noun form, “interest” can be used as a transitive verb. In modern English, this is often found in formal offers or descriptions of things that grab attention.
1. Action and Persuasion
- Interest someone in (something): To try to persuade someone to buy or do something.
Example: “Can I interest you in a dessert menu, or would you like the check?” - Hardly interest (someone): Used to say something is boring or irrelevant.
Example: “Politics hardly interests him at all.”
2. Passive and Participle Forms
In 2024, the verb form is most commonly used in the passive voice or as an adjective (interested/interesting).
- Be interested in: The standard way to express a hobby or preference.
Example: “Are you interested in joining our research team?” - Find (something) interesting:
Example: “I find it interesting that he never mentioned his previous job.”
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pique interest | Verb + Noun | To make someone curious. |
| Keen interest | Adjective + Noun | Very strong enthusiasm. |
| Interest rate | Noun + Noun | The cost of borrowing money. |
| Conflict of interest | Noun Phrase | Unfair personal advantage in a job. |
| Interest someone in… | Verb + Object | To try to sell or suggest something. |
| Earn interest | Verb + Noun | To get money from a bank for saving. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| I have interest for art. | I have an interest in art. |
| The bank gives a high interest price. | The bank offers a high interest rate. |
| He did a “big interest” in the project. | He took a keen interest in the project. |
| The movie interested me a lot. (Grammatically okay, but rare) | I was really interested in the movie. |
Contextual Story
“When I first started my job, I only had a passing interest in coding. However, my manager took a keen interest in my training and piqued my interest by showing me how automation works. I decided to express interest in the software department, making sure there was no conflict of interest with my current role. Now, I earn interest on my savings from a much higher salary, all because I chose to be interested in something new.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Interest Collocations
Do I use the preposition “in” or “on” with interest?
It depends on the meaning. If you are talking about a hobby or curiosity, use “in” (e.g., interest in music). If you are talking about financial charges related to a loan or account, use “on” (e.g., interest on my savings).
What is the difference between “piqued” and “peaked” interest?
This is a common error even for native speakers. “Pique” is a French-rooted word meaning to prick or stimulate; “pique my interest” is the correct spelling. “Peak” means the top of a mountain and is incorrect in this context.
Can I say “make interest” if I am talking about a bank?
No. In English, you “earn interest” or “accrue interest” on your savings. The bank “charges interest” on a loan.
Is “vested interest” always a bad thing?
Not necessarily, but it often carries a slightly negative connotation of being biased. It simply means you have a strong reason (often financial) to want a specific outcome.
How do I use “interest” as a verb in a professional way?
The most professional way is to use it when making an offer: “Would it interest you to see our latest quarterly report?” or “Can I interest you in a demo of our software?”
I'm studying for IELTS, and I know collocations are crucial for a higher score. This article gives really solid examples I can use. Thanks for breaking down 'vested interest'!
That's excellent to hear, Jamal! You're absolutely right, using natural collocations will significantly boost your IELTS speaking and writing scores. 'Vested interest' is a sophisticated phrase that can impress examiners. Keep practicing these high-level collocations, and good luck with your exam preparation!
What other verbs can be used with 'interest' when it refers to a hobby or pastime? I'm trying to expand my vocabulary for describing hobbies.
That's a fantastic goal, Olga! Beyond 'have an interest in,' you can also 'pursue an interest' (meaning to follow a hobby or passion), 'develop an interest' (start to like something), or 'cultivate an interest' (nurture and grow a hobby). These verbs add wonderful nuance to your descriptions!
This article is a great reminder of how important collocations are for sounding natural. My English teacher always stressed this, but seeing examples like 'pique my interest' really drives the point home.
We're glad it served as a good reinforcement, Hiroshi! Your teacher was absolutely right. Native speakers rarely choose words in isolation; they intuitively reach for these natural pairings. The more you immerse yourself in authentic English, the more these collocations will become second nature.
Could you provide an example of 'take a keen interest in something'? Does 'keen' just mean very strong interest?
Excellent question, Sofia! Yes, you've got it. 'Keen' indeed emphasizes a strong, enthusiastic, and often persistent interest. For example, 'She takes a keen interest in environmental conservation' implies she's very passionate and actively involved. It's a great way to show a higher degree of interest!
The part about 'reducing cognitive load' is so insightful. I've often felt exhausted after speaking English for a long time, and I think it's exactly because I'm translating word-for-word. This helps a lot!
It's a common experience, Kim Min-jun, and you're not alone! Direct translation can be mentally taxing. By internalizing these natural word partnerships, you free up your mental energy to focus on expressing your ideas, not just individual words. Keep practicing, and it will get easier!
I often mix up 'express interest' with 'show interest'. Is there a big difference, or are they mostly interchangeable?
Hi Priya! While very similar, 'express interest' often implies a more overt, verbal, or formal declaration of interest (e.g., 'expressing interest in a job'). 'Show interest' can be broader, including non-verbal cues or a general display of curiosity. In many informal contexts, they can be interchangeable, but 'express' often carries a more deliberate tone.
This article really caught my interest! Haha, sorry, couldn't resist. But seriously, it's a great breakdown. I'm always looking for ways to improve my vocabulary beyond just single words.
That's a perfect example, David! And we love the enthusiasm. Focusing on word chunks and collocations is indeed the fastest way to elevate your vocabulary and sound more fluent. Keep an eye out for similar articles on our blog!
What about 'take an interest in'? Is that common, or is 'have an interest in' more preferred? I sometimes use both.
Great question, Mei Lin! Both 'take an interest in' and 'have an interest in' are very common and correct. 'Have an interest in' often describes a pre-existing or ongoing curiosity. 'Take an interest in' implies a more active decision to start paying attention or get involved in something. So they have slightly different nuances but are both perfectly valid!
The 'cognitive load' point is so true! When I have to think about every single word, my conversations are slow. Learning these 'word partnerships' makes me feel more confident and helps me speak more naturally. This blog is a lifesaver!
Carlos, we're so happy to hear that our approach is making a tangible difference in your English learning journey! Reducing cognitive load is precisely why mastering collocations is so powerful. Keep practicing these natural word pairings, and you'll find your fluency and confidence continue to soar.
As an English teacher, I find these articles invaluable for my students. The example sentences are clear and concise. Do you plan to cover other common words with tricky collocations like 'make' or 'do'?
Thank you for the kind words, Elena! We're thrilled you find our content useful for your students. And yes, absolutely! 'Make' and 'do' are indeed on our list for future collocation deep-dives. They are notoriously tricky for learners, and we aim to provide similar clear explanations. Stay tuned!