When it comes to expressing curiosity or attraction toward something, the phrases “interested in” and “interested on” often cause confusion, especially for those learning English as a second language.
Both phrases might seem similar, but they are used in different contexts. Knowing when to use “interested in” versus “interested on” can help you sound more fluent and avoid common mistakes.
This article will guide you through the differences and provide useful tips on how to use these phrases correctly.
“Interest In vs. Interest On: Why the Confusion?”
The main difference between “interested in” and “interested on” lies in the context in which each phrase is used. “Interested in” is the more commonly used phrase and works in most situations where you are expressing curiosity, attraction, or enthusiasm about a subject, activity, or person.
On the other hand, “interested on” is rarely used in English. It’s mostly considered incorrect unless you’re talking about a very specific financial context, such as the “interest on a loan” or “interest on savings”.
This specific use of “on” is related to money and finance, not general interest in topics, hobbies, or people.
For example, if you’re learning about technology, you would say, “I’m interested in technology”, not “I’m interested on technology.” In contrast, in a financial conversation, you might say, “The interest on my loan is 5%.”
Which Phrase Fits Best: Interested in or Interested On?
Most of the time, “interested in” is the phrase to go for. It is a versatile expression used in a variety of contexts, from personal interests to professional ambitions. Whether you’re talking about your hobbies, studies, or even relationships, “interested in” is the right choice.
However, there are some instances where “interested on” can be used, but these are few and specific. The phrase “interest on” refers mainly to money such as the “interest on your bank account” or “interest on a loan” and doesn’t generally apply to other contexts.
Understanding “Interested In”
The phrase “interested in” is used when you want to express curiosity, passion, or enthusiasm for something. It’s one of the most commonly used phrases in English because it can describe a wide range of interests, from hobbies to professional goals.
For example, when you say, “I’m interested in learning French,” you are showing your desire to study or learn the language. Similarly, if someone says, “She’s interested in gardening,” it tells you she enjoys or wants to know more about gardening.
“Interested in” can also describe emotional attraction. For instance, “I’m interested in him” can mean romantic or emotional interest. It’s used to show your involvement with something or someone, either in a casual or deeper way.
Real-Life Examples of “Interested In”
Imagine you’re talking to a friend about their career goals. They might say, “I’m interested in becoming a software engineer.” This is a clear example of “interested in” used to talk about someone’s career path.
Another example could be when you’re discussing hobbies: “I’m interested in photography.” In this case, “interested in” shows your enthusiasm for the art of photography and a desire to learn more or engage in it.
In both cases, the phrase “interested in” accurately conveys a sense of curiosity or passion for something.
Understanding “Interested On”
Unlike “interested in,” the phrase “interested on” is much less common and can be considered grammatically incorrect in most cases. It’s generally used in specific financial contexts, such as “interest on a bank account” or “interest on a loan.”
For example, you might say, “The interest on the loan is 5%,” referring to the percentage you must pay back in addition to the amount borrowed. Outside of financial contexts, however, “interested on” is almost always wrong.
Common Mistakes in Using Interested In or On
One of the most common mistakes when learning English is confusing “interested in” and “interested on.” Non-native speakers, in particular, may sometimes use “interested on” because of influences from their own languages.
For example, some languages use “on” in similar contexts where English uses “in.”
For instance, you might hear someone say, “I’m interested on art,” which is incorrect. The correct sentence is “I’m interested in art.”
Such mistakes can make communication sound awkward or unclear, so it’s important to remember the difference and use “interested in” when expressing curiosity or attraction to topics, people, or activities.
Correct Usage of Interested In or On
Here’s a quick guide to remember when to use “interested in” versus “interested on”:
- Use “interested in” when you are talking about things, activities, topics, or people you are curious about, passionate about, or want to learn more about.
- Use “interested on” only in very specific financial contexts, like “interest on a loan” or “interest on savings.”
To illustrate:
- Correct: “I’m interested in studying history.”
- Incorrect: “I’m interested on studying history.”
- Correct: “I’m interested in sports.”
- Incorrect: “I’m interested on sports.”
“What example clarifies ‘interested in’ vs. ‘interested on’?”
Think about this scenario: You’re at a networking event, and someone asks you, “What are you interested in?” You would answer, “I’m interested in technology and digital marketing.” This shows that your interest is focused on specific subjects.
Now, imagine someone says, “I’m interested on technology.” This would sound odd and incorrect. The correct version would be, “I’m interested in technology.”
“Can you give an example of someone misusing ‘interested on’ instead of ‘interested in’?”
Here’s an example of how someone might misuse “interested on”:
Imagine a conversation where someone says, “I’m interested on learning how to cook.” This is incorrect. The correct phrase is “I’m interested in learning how to cook.”
It’s a subtle mistake, but using “on” instead of “in” can confuse your listener or make you sound less fluent in English.
“Why Do Non-Native Speakers Say ‘Interested On’ Instead of ‘Interested In’?”
Non-native English speakers may mistakenly say “interested on” because, in many languages, the word for “interest” is paired with a different preposition. For example, in Spanish, one might say “interesado en” (which directly translates to “interested in”). However, in English, the correct preposition is “in,” not “on.”
Such errors are common when learning a new language, and they can be overcome with practice and exposure to correct usage.
How Do You Answer What Interested You in This Position?
When you’re asked “What interested you in this position?” during a job interview, it’s important to give a thoughtful answer that ties your personal skills and career goals to the role. You might respond with something like, “I’m interested in this position because it aligns with my background in marketing and my passion for digital media.”
How Do You Explain Why I Am Interested in a Position?
Explaining why you’re interested in a position requires connecting your personal and professional goals to the job. You could say, “I’m interested in this job because it offers the chance to work with a team of creative professionals, and I believe my skills in project management would be an asset to the company.”
FAQ’s
Is it interested in or interested on?
‘Interested in’ is a grammatically correct phrase
Is it not interested in or not interested on?
Common Usage: “Interested in” is the standard expression in English, and it is widely accepted and understood. Using “interested on” would sound incorrect to native speakers. Examples: – Correct: “I am interested in science.” – Incorrect: “I am interested on science.”
What is the difference between interested in and interested on?
The correct phrase is “I’m interested in something.” The preposition “in” is used to indicate interest in a particular subject, activity, or thing.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “Curious in” and “Engaged on” is essential for clear and effective communication. While “interested in” is the correct and widely accepted phrase for expressing curiosity or passion about something, “interested on” should only be used in specific financial contexts. By practicing the correct usage and being aware of common mistakes, you can speak and write more naturally in English. Keep in mind the key rules we’ve discussed, and you’ll be able to use “interested in” and “interested on” with confidence.
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