took interest vs took an interest

Both 'took interest' and 'took an interest' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Took an interest' is more commonly used when referring to someone becoming interested in something, while 'took interest' is less common and usually used in a more formal or literary context.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 2465 views

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday English. It is more suitable for formal or literary contexts.

"took interest"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has shown interest in something without the article 'an'. It is more formal and less commonly used in everyday speech.

Examples:

He took interest in the ancient artifacts at the museum.
She took interest in learning a new language.
The professor took interest in the student's research project.

Show examples from the web [+]

Tell me one girl that you really took interest.
One thing led to another and... I took interest in the art of movement.
Vanger Industries took a controlling interest in Millennium magazine...
He would absorb anything that took his interest.
Because he took an interest in you.
O'Reilly took special interest as soon as he walked in the door.
And their holy men took an interest in me.
Vera never took any interest in the apples.
He took an interest in you.
The police just took an interest in me.
I was headed down a bad path, and some people from Visualize took an interest and helped straighten me out.
I was headed down a bad path, and some people from Visualize took an interest and helped straighten me out.
He took an interest in us, and we moved in with him for awhile.
Maybe I read all the time 'cause dad never took an interest in me.
When I was pregnant with Molly, I had a husband who took an interest in how I was feeling.
Never took any interest in her or the kids.
I've laid some dulcet tones down On anyone who took an interest.
But still you took an interest in me when no one else did.
It was always me that took an interest in everything you did, not him.
My name is ice, so I took an interest.

Alternatives:

showed interest
expressed interest
demonstrated interest
developed an interest
became interested

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic way to express someone becoming interested in something.

"took an interest"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has developed an interest in something, and it is the more commonly used form in everyday English.

Examples:

She took an interest in photography after attending a workshop.
He took an interest in gardening and started planting flowers in his backyard.
The children took an interest in the new science experiment.

Show examples from the web [+]

But still you took an interest in me when no one else did.
And I also want to thank Mr. Boykewich, who took an interest in me and in helping me.
My name is ice, so I took an interest.
Was there anyone in his meetings that took an interest in Brian or his relationship with you and Christine, anyone that stuck out as odd?
Because he took an interest in you.
And their holy men took an interest in me.
He took an interest in you.
The police just took an interest in me.
I was headed down a bad path, and some people from Visualize took an interest and helped straighten me out.
He took an interest in us, and we moved in with him for awhile.
Maybe I read all the time 'cause dad never took an interest in me.
When I was pregnant with Molly, I had a husband who took an interest in how I was feeling.
I've laid some dulcet tones down On anyone who took an interest.
It was always me that took an interest in everything you did, not him.
That is, until my supposed best friend, Garrett Einbinder... ...took an interest in Sherry himself.
Perhaps I was overcompensating for the fact that you never took an interest in his life.
She's just a girl I took an interest in.
I find it surprising that the United Nations Security Council first took an interest in the particular situation of women in war zones only 10 years ago.
Business circles in the Americas took an interest in the FTAA project very early on.
At first, I thought she took an interest in me because she wanted something.

Alternatives:

became interested in
developed an interest in
showed an interest in
expressed an interest in
demonstrated an interest in

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

took interest vs took an interest

"took interest"

"took an interest"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text