Are you confused about the difference between “interesting” and “interested”? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between them and help you use each one correctly.
Let’s define the terms. “Interesting” is an adjective that describes something that is engaging, captivating, or thought-provoking. For example, you might say that a book is interesting if it holds your attention and makes you think. “Interested,” on the other hand, is a verb that describes the state of being engaged or invested in something. For example, you might say that you are interested in a particular topic if you enjoy learning about it and seek out information on it.
So, which one is the “proper” word? The answer is that it depends on what you’re trying to communicate. If you want to describe something as engaging or thought-provoking, “interesting” is the right word to use. If you want to describe your own level of engagement or investment in something, “interested” is the right word to use.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common situations where people often confuse these two words, and provide some tips for using them correctly.
Define Interesting
Interesting is an adjective that describes something that captures one’s attention or curiosity. It is a subjective term that varies from person to person, as what one individual finds interesting may not be the same for another. In general, interesting things are those that are novel, unique, or have some level of complexity that requires further exploration.
For example, a new scientific discovery or a thought-provoking piece of artwork can be considered interesting. The term can also be used to describe a person who has a captivating personality or a certain level of charm that draws others in.
Overall, interesting is a term that is used to describe something that is engaging, thought-provoking, or captivating in some way.
Define Interested
Interested is an adjective that describes a person’s level of attention or engagement in something. It is a term that is often used in relation to a particular topic or subject matter, and can be used to describe someone who is invested in learning more about it.
For example, a student who is interested in science may spend their free time conducting experiments or reading scientific journals. Similarly, a person who is interested in politics may follow current events closely and engage in discussions with others about political issues.
Interested can also be used to describe a person’s level of enthusiasm or passion for a particular activity or hobby. For instance, someone who is interested in photography may spend hours taking pictures and learning new techniques.
Overall, interested is a term that is used to describe a person’s level of engagement or investment in a particular topic, activity, or subject matter.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words “interesting” and “interested” in a sentence, it’s important to understand the subtle differences in meaning between the two. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these two words properly in a sentence.
How To Use “Interesting” In A Sentence
The word “interesting” is an adjective that describes something that catches your attention or arouses your curiosity. Here are a few examples of how to use “interesting” in a sentence:
- That was an interesting lecture on astrophysics.
- The book I’m reading is really interesting.
- I find the history of ancient civilizations to be incredibly interesting.
As you can see, “interesting” is used to describe something that is fascinating, engaging, or thought-provoking. It’s a great word to use when you want to express your enthusiasm or curiosity about something.
How To Use “Interested” In A Sentence
The word “interested” is a verb that describes a state of being engaged or involved in something. Here are a few examples of how to use “interested” in a sentence:
- I’m interested in learning more about the history of ancient civilizations.
- She’s always been interested in astronomy.
- He became interested in politics after reading a book on the subject.
As you can see, “interested” is used to describe a person’s level of engagement or involvement in something. It’s a great word to use when you want to express your curiosity or desire to learn more about a particular topic.
Overall, understanding the subtle differences between “interesting” and “interested” can help you use these words more effectively in your writing and communication. By using these words properly, you can convey your thoughts and ideas more clearly and accurately.
More Examples Of Interesting & Interested Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between “interesting” and “interested,” it’s helpful to see them used in various contexts. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Interesting” In A Sentence
- The book I’m reading is very interesting.
- Her lecture on astrophysics was incredibly interesting.
- I find the history of ancient Egypt to be very interesting.
- The movie we watched last night was quite interesting.
- His perspective on the topic was very interesting.
- The article I read in the newspaper today was very interesting.
- That’s an interesting way of looking at things.
- The art exhibit was filled with interesting pieces.
- Learning about different cultures is always interesting.
- The conversation we had was very interesting and thought-provoking.
Examples Of Using “Interested” In A Sentence
- I’m interested in learning more about this topic.
- She’s always been interested in science and technology.
- He’s not very interested in sports.
- I’m interested in attending the conference next month.
- Are you interested in joining our book club?
- We’re interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter.
- She’s not very interested in politics.
- I’m interested in pursuing a career in the arts.
- He’s very interested in learning a new language.
- Are you interested in going to the concert this weekend?
By seeing these words used in context, it becomes clearer how “interesting” and “interested” differ from one another. While “interesting” describes something that is engaging or captivating, “interested” refers to a person’s level of involvement or curiosity in a particular topic or activity.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “interesting” and “interested,” many people tend to use them interchangeably without realizing the difference in meaning. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Interesting” Instead Of “Interested”
One common mistake people make is using “interesting” instead of “interested” when expressing their desire or enthusiasm for something. For example, saying “I am interesting in learning a new language” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “I am interested in learning a new language.”
The word “interesting” is an adjective that describes something that catches your attention or is engaging. On the other hand, “interested” is an adjective that describes the state of being curious or wanting to know more about something.
Using “Interested” Instead Of “Interesting”
Another common mistake is using “interested” instead of “interesting” when describing something. For example, saying “That movie was very interested” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “That movie was very interesting.”
The word “interesting” is used to describe something that is captivating, engaging, or thought-provoking. “Interested,” on the other hand, is used to describe a person’s state of mind or feelings towards something.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Take a moment to think about the meaning of the words “interesting” and “interested” before using them in a sentence.
- Read over your sentences carefully to ensure that you have used the correct word.
- If you are unsure about which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and following these tips, you can avoid using “interesting” and “interested” interchangeably and communicate more effectively in your writing and speech.
Context Matters
Choosing between interesting and interested can depend on the context in which they are used. While the two words are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings and implications. Understanding the context is crucial to using the correct word.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between Interesting And Interested Might Change:
| Context | Correct word choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation | Interested | In a conversation, interested is the correct choice. It implies active engagement and attentiveness in what the other person is saying. Saying “I’m interesting” would imply that you are the one doing the talking and others should be interested in you. |
| Job Interview | Interesting | In a job interview, interesting is the correct choice. It implies that you have qualities and skills that the employer would find attractive. Saying “I’m interested in this job” would imply that you are the one seeking the job, but it doesn’t necessarily convey that you have the qualities the employer is looking for. |
| Social Media | Interesting | On social media, interesting is the correct choice. It implies that what you are sharing is worth reading or viewing. Saying “I’m interested in this post” would imply that you are the one who wants to read or view it, but it doesn’t necessarily convey that the post is worth others’ attention. |
As you can see, the choice between interesting and interested can vary depending on the context. It’s important to understand the nuances of each word and use them appropriately to convey your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using ‘interesting’ and ‘interested’ are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few instances where the standard rules may not apply:
1. Emphasis On The Speaker’s Opinion
When the speaker wants to emphasize their own opinion or feelings about something, they may use ‘interesting’ or ‘interested’ in a way that doesn’t strictly follow the standard rules of grammar. For example:
- “I find it interesting that you don’t like chocolate.”
- “I’m not interested in attending the party.”
In these cases, the speaker is placing emphasis on their own opinion or feelings, rather than simply describing the object of their interest.
2. Colloquial Language
In informal or colloquial language, the rules for using ‘interesting’ and ‘interested’ may be more flexible. For example:
- “That movie was so interesting, I couldn’t look away!”
- “I’m interested in checking out that new restaurant.”
While these sentences may not strictly follow the standard rules of grammar, they are still commonly used and easily understood in casual conversation.
3. Regional Differences
Depending on the region or dialect, the rules for using ‘interesting’ and ‘interested’ may vary. For example, in some parts of the United States, it is common to use ‘interested’ in place of ‘interesting’ when describing something that catches one’s attention. This is known as the “double passive” construction, and while it may not be considered standard grammar, it is still widely used in some regions.
Ultimately, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using ‘interesting’ and ‘interested’, it’s important to keep in mind the standard definitions and usage guidelines in order to communicate effectively and clearly in writing.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of interesting and interested in sentences can take practice. Here are some exercises to help you master these words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Word to use (interesting or interested) |
|---|---|
| The lecture on astrophysics was incredibly ____________. | interesting |
| She was not ____________ in the topic of sports. | interested |
| The museum had an ____________ collection of ancient artifacts. | interesting |
| He was ____________ in learning more about the history of his family. | interested |
Answer key: 1. interesting, 2. interested, 3. interesting, 4. interested
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The book was not very ____________.
- a) interesting
- b) interested
- a) interesting
- b) interested
- a) interesting
- b) interested
- a) interesting
- b) interested
Answer key: 1. a, 2. b, 3. a, 4. b
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of when to use interesting and interested in sentences. Remember, interesting describes something that is engaging or captivating, while interested describes someone who has a desire to learn or participate in something.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between “interesting” and “interested,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in various contexts.
The word “interesting” is used to describe something that causes curiosity or engages attention, while “interested” describes the state of being engaged or showing concern in something.
It is important to use these words correctly in both spoken and written communication to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to educate oneself on the intricacies of language, one can become a more effective communicator and better understand the world around them.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.