This week we’re looking at words and phrases that we use to say that we are interested in something.
If someone enjoys a particular activity or is very interested in a particular subject, we often say, slightly informally, that they are into that thing:
He’s really into jazz.
I got into cooking when I left home.
If they really enjoy something, we might, informally, say that they are mad about or crazy about it:
He’s always been mad about football.
They’re both crazy about basketball.
If they are so interested in something that they cannot stop thinking about it, we can say they are obsessed with it: She’s obsessed with fashion.
We also use the noun obsession:
She’s always done a lot of yoga, but recently, it’s become an obsession.
Football is a complete obsession for him.
Passion is another noun that we use to convey this meaning:
He had a passion for photography.
History was always her passion.
We sometimes use adjectives before nouns to convey that someone is very interested in something, for example avid and keen:
Sara’s a very keen cyclist.
My brother’s an avid football fan.
There are idioms too for expressing this idea. If someone lives and breathes a particular thing, they are so interested in it that it takes up most of their time and attention: She lives and breathes music.
Someone who is wrapped up in something spends so much time on it that they do not think about anything else: She’s very wrapped up in her work these days.
In British English, if something is (right) up someone’s street, it is exactly the sort of thing that they are interested in: I like keeping fit and raising money for charity, so this event is right up my street. (The US equivalent for this phrase is up someone’s alley.)
Of course, there are ways of saying that we are not interested in something. You might say that an activity or subject is not your sort of thing (UK)/not your thing (US): I don’t go dancing – it’s not my thing.
In British English, you might say that something isn’t your cup of tea: I don’t play many board games – they’re not really my cup of tea. Another way of expressing this is to say that something leaves you cold: I’ve never liked opera, I’m afraid. It just leaves me cold.
Whatever is your sort of thing, we hope you’re doing plenty of it this week!
I think many of us following this blog are fond of learning English! Thank you for helping us to maintain our aspiration!
Thank you, Ekaterina! That’s really nice to hear.
I agree. In fact i love english.
That’s interesting to know some idioms to put in practice into a daily comersation.
Daniel, we’re glad you think so! Great!
Kate,
You are posts are really great and I learn a lot from u r posts and also enjoys reading it. This site is a great inspiration who aspire to learn and enhance their English skills.
Thank you, Ravi! That’s so kind of you.
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Kate, thanks for the post!
It was a nice read.
What about the word ‘Freak’?
eg. “I am the freak of Indian snacks”
Hi Shraddha! Yes, ‘freak’ is used informally to mean ‘someone who is extremely interested in something’ but you tend to put the interest before the word ‘freak’, for example, ‘She’s a fitness freak.’ Best wishes!
I keep on watching films based on famous English literature books, so this film is right up my street.
When I got the master in English literature, I always have been into English.
I am crazy about reading novels, it is my passion, but this autobiographical novel is really not my cup of tea.
I have been really wrapped up in mastering English as I am looking forward to get the PhD. So I live and breathe reading English literature. You can say, I am so an avid literature reader.
How much am I obsessed in practising your fantastic blog? Kate
What a marvellous response! Thank you so much!
Thank you,Kate I really appreciate your praise.
Hello Kate,
It’s very great when i see your post.
I am starting learn English so it’s really useful for me.
Thanks for your sharing and hopefully i will see news from you soon.
Sincerely,
Hello Kate,
it’s very great when I see your post.
I am starting learn English so it’s really useful for me.
Thanks a lot for your sharing and hopefully I will see news from you soon.
Sincerely
Mrs Soumaya
In fact I enjoy reading what our beatiful Kate writes , thank you very much dear Kate, Truly your explanation is clear and you use a pleasant and magical way to facilitate the learning of the English language whish I like very much, I am extremely intrested in reading all things you teach us through your posts.
So, I can say that you are a Great person, I respect you a lot.
Deat Kate Woodford, your articles have been my recent treasury-like discovery. From the day, I am aware about your articles, I am an avid and regular reader of your writings.Your explanations are of immense utility for me who is not native english origin and trying to delve deep into the vivid world of English literature.
What a lovely message – thank you!
Small but great blog. Thank You Kate.
What a lovely message – thank you!
I came across this blog deliberately and I have to say that this one is really amazing. Thank you so muchh