How to Express Interest in Something in English

Have you ever missed something because you couldn’t express your interest in it in English? Or did your partner find you boring just because you couldn’t show your interest correctly in English? If that’s the case, in this post, I will share some exclusive tips and English expressions that can help you to express your interest in English.

“I’m very interested in this” or “That sounds interesting” are the two most common English expressions to show interest in something. Your positive voice tone and body language may also help make your expression of interest genuine.

There can be many ways to show that you are interested in something. Besides, directly saying that you are interested in something, listening to someone attentively or positively responding to them indicates that you are interested in the topic. Now, let me share some tips that can help you to express your interest in English.

Table of Contents

7 Tips to Express Your Interest in English

While you want to show interest in someone’s ideas, suggestions, or words, you may consider a few things besides your word choice.

Tips to Express Your Interest in English

The following tips will help you to sound natural and perfect while you express your interest in English.

#1 Directly Express That You Are Interested

It is very important to be direct and polite when expressing opinions or interests. Being straightforward means being honest, truthful & authentic. If you express your interest directly, it will save time and energy for both of you.  

As an ESL speaker, you may find it challenging to express your interest directly with some specific English phrases. No worries! If you are wondering what words or phrases to use, I have listed some easy but effective expressions in the later part of the post. Learn them and practice to master the skills of using them when needed.

#2 Ask for Further Information to Show Interest

While talking to someone, if you ask for further information, it proves that you are interested in what the other person has said. It indirectly shows your interest. However, once provided with the extra information, you may directly express your interest using the English phrases mentioned later in the post.

Remember! It’s never rude to ask for clarification if you genuinely need it. You just need to know how to ask for clarification in English politely.

#3 Appreciate the Partner for Sharing the Idea

When you appreciate someone for something that shows your interest. For example, if someone sings well and you express that you like their singing, it proves that you are interested in their singing and you like to listen to songs.

You may also thank them or show gratitude for introducing any great ideas you feel interested in proceeding with. So, if you are interested in someone’s opinion or anything, make sure you express that you like it.     

#4 Be a Good Listener

No matter who you are and to whom you talk in a conversation, listening matters a lot. Actively listening to someone can build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and improve relationships.

Moreover, when you listen to somebody attentively, it shows that you are pretty interested in what is being said.

Be a Good Listener

So, be a good listener while you talk to somebody about something. Even if you don’t express your interest in words, people may understand your interest by observing how you listen to someone.

#5 Express Your Pleasure

When you find interest in anything, it’s pretty obvious that you express your feelings or emotions. So, to respond to anything that interests you, you may express emotions like surprise, pleasure, excitement, etc.

Such happy responses will let the other person know you are interested in what they have said, suggested, did, or shared.

#6 Let the Conversation Go by Adding Something

Another way to express your interest is to let the conversation continue. For example, you may add new ideas or give statements or opinions about the issue you are discussing. If you actively participate in the discussion, it clearly shows your interest.

However, to continue the conversation further, a good way can be to ask for suggestions or opinions once you add your own.

#7 Consider the Voice Tone & Body Language

Whether you are interested in something or not can also be understood by your body language. For example, when someone shares an idea, a positive nodding of your head may show that you are interested in this and positive about it.

Not only body language but also your voice tone can help you to express interest. For example, if you are really excited about something, your voice should reflect that excitement too. So, you must consider non-verbal communication as important as verbal one because it’s not always the words that only help you express. The nonverbal cues or body language can speak the loudest too.     

15 General Expressions to Show Interest in English

As I already discussed above, there are numerous ways you can show people that you feel interested in something. First, however, I suggest you try the following phrases to express your interest in English. While using them, make sure you also consider the 7 tips shared above.

General Expressions to Show Interest in English

Now let’s learn fifteen general English expressions to show interest in English.

  • That’s really interesting.
  • Oh really!
  • That’s amazing.
  • That’s very interesting.
  • Great idea, I must say.
  • That’s a good idea.
  • What an idea!
  • I’m genuinely interested in this.
  • It seems very interesting.
  • I appreciate the plan.
  • What a remarkable finding.
  • It sounds more exciting than anything else.
  • Do you really mean it? Can you please tell me something more?
  • Wow! I’m certainly in.
  • I didn’t think this way. Thank you for sharing this fantastic idea.

James: We’re planning the Europe tour next month.
John: Wow! I’ve been waiting for this for so long.
James: I’m really excited to have this vacation together.
John: Same here James. I’m certainly in.

In Conclusion

There are hundreds of ways that you can show positivity. When you respond to something, if you sound positive, it proves your interest. However, you may not feel interested in everything. For instance, if someone offers you something you don’t like, you may not show interest.

In that case, you may need to refuse their offer. However, no matter what you say, you must be polite all the way.

Thanks for reading.

Happy learning!

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 7 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."

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