Have you ever found yourself confused between saying “interested in” and “interested on”? You’re not alone! Many English learners, and even native speakers, make this mistake without realizing it.
While both phrases might sound similar, they are not interchangeable. This article will clear up the confusion once and for all. By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to use the phrase “interested in” correctly, and why “interested on” is not the right choice.
Interested In or On? Quick Answer
Let’s get straight to the point: “Interested in” is the correct expression in English. The phrase “interested on” is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.
It’s easy to remember: when you are talking about something that catches your attention or piques your curiosity, you use “interested in”.
The Key Difference
- Interested in: Used when referring to a subject, activity, or thing that you find intriguing.
- Interested on: This is simply a mistake. “On” does not fit in this context.
For instance:
- Correct: “I am interested in learning new languages.”
- Incorrect: “I am interested on learning new languages.”
Simple Memory Trick: Think of “in” as a container for what you are interested in. It’s a space that holds your attention or curiosity.
What Does Being “Interested In” Mean?
When someone says they’re “interested in” something, they are expressing curiosity, concern, or an emotional connection toward that subject. It’s a phrase that communicates the idea of engaging with or caring about something.
Examples:
- “I’m interested in cooking because I love experimenting with flavors.”
- “She’s interested in the latest tech trends, especially AI development.”
- “He’s interested in joining the football team this year.”
In these examples, we see how the phrase “interested in” introduces a topic, activity, or idea that the speaker finds intriguing or worthwhile.
Why “Interested On” Is Incorrect
The phrase “interested on” doesn’t make sense in English. The preposition “on” typically refers to surface-level interactions or direct contact with an object, but not in the case of emotions or interests. In short, “on” doesn’t connect to the concept of curiosity or attraction the way “in” does.
For example:
- Incorrect: “I’m interested on traveling to Japan.”
- Correct: “I’m interested in traveling to Japan.”
Here’s a good rule of thumb: “Interested in” always works when you’re discussing things, topics, people, and actions that appeal to you mentally or emotionally.
Interested In vs. Interested On: When and How to Use Them Correctly
When to Use Interested In
- Subjects or Topics: If you’re curious about something, it’s always in. For instance, “She’s interested in history.”
- Hobbies and Activities: If you’re passionate about a pastime, use in. For example, “I’m interested in painting and drawing.”
- People: If someone catches your attention or you have an interest in getting to know them, it’s in. Example: “He’s interested in her work ethic.”
When Not to Use Interested On
Let’s go over some cases where “interested on” would feel completely out of place:
- Incorrect: “I’m interested on photography.”
- Correct: “I’m interested in photography.”
- Incorrect: “She’s interested on the environment.”
- Correct: “She’s interested in the environment.”
Here’s the thing: English prepositions are tricky, but mastering them can make a huge difference in how you communicate. The good news is that once you practice using “interested in” correctly, it’ll become second nature.
Context-Based Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison table to make things even clearer.
| Context | Correct Phrase | Incorrect Phrase |
| Talking about hobbies | “I’m interested in painting.” | “I’m interested on painting.” |
| Discussing a person | “He’s interested in her.” | “He’s interested on her.” |
| Learning about something | “She’s interested in biology.” | “She’s interested on biology.” |
| Desiring a position | “I’m interested in applying for this job.” | “I’m interested on applying for this job.” |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Now that we know “interested in” is the only correct phrase, let’s talk about the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Using “on” instead of “in”
It’s the most frequent error, especially for non-native speakers. The reason is simple: in many other languages, such as Spanish or French, prepositions are used differently. English, however, requires “in” to indicate interest.
How to fix it: Always check your sentence before writing or speaking. If you’re referring to an activity, topic, or person, ensure you’re using “in”.
Mistake 2: Confusing “interested in” with “bored with”
It’s easy to confuse the feeling of being interested in something with the opposite feeling of being bored with something.
How to fix it: Pay attention to your tone and word choice. For example:
- Interested in: “I’m interested in learning new languages.”
- Bored with: “I’m bored with studying the same subject.”
Real-Life Examples of “Interested In” in Sentences
Let’s look at how “interested in” can be used in various real-life contexts:
Business and Professional Contexts
- “I’m interested in the opportunity to work with your company.”
- “Our team is interested in expanding the market reach in Asia.”
Social and Casual Conversations
- “She’s interested in joining the book club.”
- “I’m interested in trying out that new restaurant this weekend.”
Academic Contexts
- “He’s interested in pursuing a degree in environmental science.”
- “I’m interested in learning more about quantum physics.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “interested in” and “interested on” is crucial to mastering English prepositions. By avoiding the common mistake of using “on”, you’ll sound more fluent and confident in your communication.
Remember:
- Always use “in” when referring to something you find intriguing or engaging.
- Practice using “interested in” in different contexts to reinforce your knowledge.
By getting this small but important detail right, you’ll improve your language skills significantly. Happy learning!
FAQs
Which preposition is used with “interested”?
The correct preposition is “in”. You should say “interested in,” not “interested on” or “interested at.”
What is an example of “interested in”?
“I’m interested in volunteering at the local shelter.”
Why do people say “interested on” by mistake?
This mistake often happens because people think of “on” as a preposition that signifies focus, but “in” is the correct choice for showing curiosity or emotional engagement with something.
Can you provide an example of a situation where someone might mistakenly use “interested on” instead of “interested in”?
Sure! A person might say, “I’m interested on photography,” but the correct phrasing is, “I’m interested in photography.”
Why do non-native English speakers or individuals who are not fully fluent in the language often make the mistake of using “interested on” instead of “interested in”?
Many languages use different prepositions when talking about interests. For example, in Spanish, you would say “interesado en”, so non-native speakers often carry over this structure to English.
How important is it for language learners to practice using the correct prepositions in context to avoid common mistakes like using “interested on” instead of “interested in”?
It’s incredibly important! Using the correct preposition improves clarity, makes communication more natural, and helps learners gain confidence in English.
What is a synonym for “show an interest in”?
Some alternatives include:
- “Be curious about”
- “Be intrigued by”
- “Have a liking for”
How do you say you are interested in something?
You can say:
- “I’m into [activity/topic].”
- “I have an interest in [subject].”
- “I’m passionate about [thing].”
How do you answer “What interested you in this position?” in a job interview?
You can respond with:
- “I’m interested in this position because it aligns with my passion for [field].”
- “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [company]’s mission.”
How do you explain why I am interested in a position?
Explain how the position matches your skills, experience, and values. For example:
- “I’m interested in this position because it provides an opportunity for me to grow my career in [industry], and I believe my background in [relevant skills] makes me a great fit.”
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