We’ve all been there—typing out an email, writing a paper, or crafting a social media post, and suddenly, we freeze. Which preposition should we use? “Interested in” or “interested on”? It’s one of those small grammatical mistakes that can go unnoticed, but it can make a big difference in how our message is received. Understanding the proper usage of prepositions like “in” and “on” is crucial for clear, professional communication.
In this post, we’ll explore why “interested in” is the right choice in nearly every context, why “interested on” is a mistake, and how to avoid common pitfalls. With real-world examples, detailed explanations, and simple tips, you’ll master this tiny grammatical detail in no time.
Why This Tiny Preposition Mix-Up Matters
You might think that a small preposition like “in” or “on” won’t affect your communication much. After all, they’re just two tiny words, right? Well, the truth is, prepositions matter a lot more than we give them credit for. When used correctly, prepositions help convey clear and precise meaning. When misused, they create confusion, disrupt the flow of the sentence, and can even undermine your credibility.
Imagine you’re at a job interview and you say, “I’m interested on the marketing position.” Instantly, the person interviewing you might doubt your command of the language. It may seem like a small error, but such mistakes can affect how seriously you’re taken.
So, let’s dig into the real answer to this “Interested In or On?” question.
Short Answer: Is It “Interested In” or “Interested On”?
The answer is simple: “Interested in” is always correct in the vast majority of contexts. “Interested on” is almost always a grammatical mistake.
You would say:
- “I’m interested in technology.”
- “She’s interested in learning Spanish.”
But you should never say:
- “I’m interested on technology.”
- “She’s interested on learning Spanish.”
The key takeaway here is that “in” works as the preposition when you’re talking about topics, activities, or subjects that engage your interest.
When Can “On” Work?
There are a few specific contexts in English where “on” is used with other verbs (like “focused on,” “relying on,” etc.), but “interested on” is not grammatically correct in standard English. Keep reading, and we’ll explore why.
Why “Interested In” Is Correct: The Grammar Breakdown
To fully grasp why “interested in” is the proper choice, let’s look at the structure of English grammar. Prepositional phrases in English often follow a pattern where the verb and preposition create a particular meaning. In the case of “interested,” this word is a past participle adjective. When used with “in,” it expresses engagement or attraction toward a subject or activity.
Why “In” Fits Semantically and Syntactically
In English, we typically use “in” when we want to convey a sense of inclusion or engagement with something. This aligns with the meaning of “interested” — something that grabs our attention or curiosity.
Take a look at these examples:
- “She is interested in art history.”
Here, “in” connects the person’s interest to a subject (art history). - “They are interested in working remotely.”
“In” links the interest to the activity of working remotely.
On the other hand, “on” doesn’t carry the same sense of engagement or inclusion that “in” does. It’s more commonly used when talking about physical locations, positions, or topics—but not to describe interest.
Tracing the Origins: Latin and Early English
In Latin, prepositions like “in” were used to describe situations where someone was engaged within something—be it a topic, object, or activity. This usage carried over into Old English and has remained intact in modern usage.
Common Misconception: Why Some Say “Interested On”
If you’ve ever wondered why people say “interested on”, you’re not alone. This mistake happens for a few reasons, most of which come from influences outside of English.
Influence from Other Languages
For example, in languages like Spanish, the preposition used with the verb “interested” translates to “en,” which often corresponds to the English “in.” However, some languages might directly translate “interested on” because of how prepositions are used in those languages, leading to confusion for non-native speakers.
Influence of Social Media and Online Usage
In the world of social media and informal communication, we see grammatical errors spreading quickly. People often use casual language in posts and comments, which can sometimes include mistakes like “interested on.” If you’ve been active on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, you’ve likely seen this happen over and over again.
However, just because everyone is saying it doesn’t make it right. It’s crucial to recognize the mistake and correct it.
Examples of “Interested In” Used Correctly
Now that we’ve established that “interested in” is the grammatically correct choice, let’s go through some real-world examples. These will help reinforce the correct usage in different contexts.
- General Interest in a Topic:
- “I’m really interested in sustainable living practices.”
- “She’s interested in history, especially ancient civilizations.”
- “I’m really interested in sustainable living practices.”
- Interest in a Hobby or Activity:
- “They’re interested in learning how to play guitar.”
- “He’s always been interested in running marathons.”
- “They’re interested in learning how to play guitar.”
- Professional Interest:
- “Our company is interested in partnering with your team for the upcoming project.”
- “I’m interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing.”
- “Our company is interested in partnering with your team for the upcoming project.”
- Academic or Educational Context:
- “The students are interested in studying abroad for a semester.”
- “He was always interested in chemistry and physics.”
- “The students are interested in studying abroad for a semester.”
These examples clearly show how “interested in” connects the person’s interest to a topic, activity, or concept.
Real-World Usage Comparison: “Interested In” vs. “Interested On”
To better understand the difference between “interested in” and “interested on,” here’s a quick comparison:
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
| “I’m interested in photography.” | “I’m interested on photography.” |
| “She’s interested in programming.” | “She’s interested on programming.” |
| “They are interested in the new software.” | “They are interested on the new software.” |
As you can see, “on” doesn’t work in any of these examples. The structure simply doesn’t match the meaning we want to convey.
Prepositions That Do Work With “Interested” (Bonus)
Not all prepositions are incorrect with “interested,” though. In fact, there are a few other prepositions that can work with “interested” in specific contexts. Let’s explore them briefly:
“Interested In”
The most common and appropriate choice, as we’ve already seen. It works with subjects, activities, or ideas.
- Example: “I’m interested in traveling to Japan.”
“Interested to + Verb”
While less common, you can use “interested to” when followed by a verb. This structure is used to convey curiosity or anticipation about an action.
- Example: “I’m interested to know what happens next.”
- Example: “They were interested to learn the results.”
“Interested about” (Rare but Valid)
In very specific contexts, “interested about” can be used to express a more general curiosity about something. However, this is less common.
- Example: “She was interested about the new changes in the law.”
Situations Where “On” Might Appear (But It’s Not With “Interested”)
While “on” is never used with “interested,” there are many instances where it’s the correct choice. However, these do not involve expressing “interest.” Here’s when “on” should be used:
- “On” for specific topics or subjects, like “a lecture on history.”
- “On” for positions or locations, like “on the table” or “on the agenda.”
But when you’re talking about engagement or curiosity, “in” is the only preposition that works.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:
- Mistake: “I’m interested on art.”
Fix: “I’m interested in art.” - Mistake: “They are interested on the new iPhone.”
Fix: “They are interested in the new iPhone.” - Mistake: “She’s interested on learning more.”
Fix: “She’s interested in learning more.”
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to practice. The more you read and write, the more comfortable you’ll get with recognizing the correct preposition.
Quick Reference Guide: When to Use “Interested In”
Here’s a handy cheat sheet for quick reference:
- Use “interested in” with:
- Topics: “interested in science”
- Activities: “interested in running”
- Objects: “interested in the proposal”
- People or groups: “interested in the project team”
- Topics: “interested in science”
Final Thoughts: Mastering Prepositions One Step at a Time
Grammatical mistakes can be embarrassing, but they’re also part of the learning process. The good news is that once you understand the rules behind prepositions like “in” and “on,” you’ll be able to communicate much more clearly and professionally.
The key is to stay aware of how prepositions work. Always ask yourself, “Does this sound natural?” If not, it’s worth double-checking your usage. And remember, correct preposition use is a small detail that makes a big impact on how others perceive your communication.
By mastering the simple but important rule of “interested in,” you’ll make your writing and speech much more precise and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I ever use ‘interested on’?
A: No, “interested on” is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Always use “interested in” to express your curiosity or engagement with something.
Q2: What about “interested to”? Is that wrong?
A: It’s not wrong, but “interested to” is typically followed by a verb, such as “interested to hear” or “interested to know.”
Q3: Why do I hear people say “interested on” sometimes?
A: It could be due to influence from other languages or just casual, incorrect usage. However, in formal English, “on” doesn’t work with “interested.”
Q4: Is it “interested in applying” or “interested on applying”?
A: Always use “interested in applying.” “Interested on” is incorrect in this context.
Q5: How can I remember the right usage?
A: Just remember: interested is followed by “in” when you’re talking about a topic, activity, or thing. If you’re ever in doubt, think about whether “in” fits with the meaning of being engaged or curious about something.
