In 15 Seconds
- Used to show strong curiosity or fascination with a specific topic.
- Commonly followed by the word 'in' to connect to a subject.
- Perfect for both professional emails and polite social conversations.
Meaning
When you have a 'great interest' in something, it means you are truly fascinated or very curious about it. It is more than just liking something; it shows you want to learn more or get involved.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
I have a great interest in how your company handles sustainable energy.
لدي اهتمام كبير بكيفية تعامل شركتكم مع الطاقة المستدامة.
Talking to a new friend
I've always had a great interest in ancient history.
لطالما كان لدي اهتمام كبير بالتاريخ القديم.
Writing a formal email
We read your proposal with great interest and would like to meet.
لقد قرأنا مقترحك باهتمام كبير ونود مقابلتك.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'great interest' is often seen as the minimum requirement for a job candidate. Interviewers look for 'passion,' so 'great interest' should be backed up with specific examples of what you have done. In UK universities, 'great interest' is a respected way to show you are a serious scholar. It is preferred over 'love' or 'passion,' which can sometimes sound too emotional for academic work. When translating 'great interest' into Japanese contexts, it is often expressed as 'deep concern' (kanshin). It implies a sense of responsibility as well as curiosity. On platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn, 'great interest' is used to 'niche down.' Creators use it to tell their audience exactly what they focus on to build authority.
Use it in Cover Letters
This is one of the best phrases to use in the first paragraph of a job application to show you are serious.
Check your Prepositions
Never say 'interest for' or 'interest on.' It is always 'interest in.'
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show strong curiosity or fascination with a specific topic.
- Commonly followed by the word 'in' to connect to a subject.
- Perfect for both professional emails and polite social conversations.
What It Means
Great interest is a powerful way to say you care about a topic. It is stronger than saying you just 'like' something. Imagine seeing a beautiful painting and wanting to know the artist's life story. That is great interest. It implies focus, curiosity, and a desire for more information. It is the bridge between being a casual observer and a dedicated fan.
How To Use It
You usually pair this phrase with the preposition in. You would say, "I have a great interest in photography." You can also use it to describe how you listen to someone. If a friend tells a story, you can listen "with great interest." It works as a noun phrase. You can 'show' it, 'have' it, or 'express' it. It is like a badge of curiosity you wear.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound sincere and polite. It is perfect for job interviews when discussing company goals. Use it when meeting new people to show you are paying attention. It works well in emails when asking for more details. If you are texting a crush about their hobby, it shows you are really listening. It makes you sound thoughtful and engaged in the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for very small, unimportant things. Don't say you have a great interest in a piece of gum. That sounds sarcastic or just plain weird. Also, don't use it if you are actually bored. People will see through it! If you are at a party and want to sound very casual, try 'into' instead. Saying "I'm really into this" is better for a loud club than great interest.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, showing great interest is considered a sign of high intelligence and good manners. It suggests you are an 'active listener.' This is a valued trait in both business and friendships. Historically, being a 'person of interests' meant you were well-educated and worldly. Today, it is a polite way to build rapport without being too aggressive or overly emotional.
Common Variations
You might hear people say keen interest or deep interest. Keen interest sounds a bit more British or academic. Deep interest suggests a very emotional or long-term connection. You can also say someone is intrigued by something. However, great interest remains the most versatile 'all-rounder' for any situation. It is the 'white t-shirt' of English collocations—it fits everywhere!
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. It fits perfectly in professional environments but is warm enough for social settings. Avoid 'big interest' as it is a common 'false friend' for many learners.
Use it in Cover Letters
This is one of the best phrases to use in the first paragraph of a job application to show you are serious.
Check your Prepositions
Never say 'interest for' or 'interest on.' It is always 'interest in.'
Vary your Verbs
Instead of always using 'have,' try 'I have developed a great interest in...' to show growth.
Don't Overuse it
If you say you have a 'great interest' in ten different things in one conversation, it loses its power.
Examples
6I have a great interest in how your company handles sustainable energy.
لدي اهتمام كبير بكيفية تعامل شركتكم مع الطاقة المستدامة.
Shows the candidate has done their research.
I've always had a great interest in ancient history.
لطالما كان لدي اهتمام كبير بالتاريخ القديم.
A great way to share a hobby.
We read your proposal with great interest and would like to meet.
لقد قرأنا مقترحك باهتمام كبير ونود مقابلتك.
Standard professional opening for a positive response.
I have a great interest in seeing that new documentary tonight!
لدي اهتمام كبير بمشاهدة ذلك الفيلم الوثائقي الجديد الليلة!
Slightly more enthusiastic than just saying 'I want to see it'.
My cat shows a great interest in my tuna sandwich.
قطتي تظهر اهتماماً كبيراً بشطيرة التونة الخاصة بي.
Using a formal phrase for a funny, everyday situation.
She followed the development of the garden with great interest.
تابعت تطوير الحديقة باهتمام كبير.
Shows long-term dedication.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
I have a great interest ___ sustainable energy.
In English, we always have an interest 'in' something.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a job interview?
How should you express your enthusiasm for the role?
'Great interest' is the most professional collocation, and 'position' is a more formal word than 'job.'
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Why are you buying so many books about space? B: Because I ______ a great interest in astronomy.
'Have' is the most natural verb to use when talking about a personal hobby.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
When would you say 'This discovery is of great interest to us'?
'Of great interest' is a very formal structure used for important news or research.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Interest Adjectives
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI have a great interest ___ sustainable energy.
In English, we always have an interest 'in' something.
How should you express your enthusiasm for the role?
'Great interest' is the most professional collocation, and 'position' is a more formal word than 'job.'
A: Why are you buying so many books about space? B: Because I ______ a great interest in astronomy.
'Have' is the most natural verb to use when talking about a personal hobby.
When would you say 'This discovery is of great interest to us'?
'Of great interest' is a very formal structure used for important news or research.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is grammatically possible but rare. 'Great interest' or 'a lot of interest' is much more natural.
Yes, it is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for work and school.
'Keen' implies a sharper, more eager feeling, while 'great' is more about the size and importance of the interest.
Yes, but it sounds very formal or like you are investigating them. 'I have a great interest in her' sounds like a detective or a 19th-century lover.
Usually, we say 'a great interest' when using the verb 'have.' Example: 'I have a great interest.'
Only if you are talking about multiple different financial stakes. For hobbies, say 'I have many interests.'
'Big' usually describes physical size. 'Great' describes intensity or quality, which fits 'interest' better.
Use the -ing form. 'I have a great interest in *playing* the piano.'
It might sound a bit too serious for a casual text. Try 'I'm really into...' instead.
That's a specific type of interest where you have something to gain (usually money) from a situation.
Related Phrases
keen interest
similarA very sharp and active interest.
vested interest
specialized formA personal reason for wanting something to happen, often for financial gain.
conflict of interest
specialized formA situation where your personal interests clash with your professional duties.
passing interest
contrastA very brief or weak interest.
of great interest
builds onUsed to describe something that is interesting.
