Interested In or On: The Differences + Examples (2025)

Many English learners wonder whether the correct expression is interested in or interested on.

The clear rule in modern English is simple:

“Interested in” is correct.
“Interested on” is not used in standard English.

However, understanding why this is true and how native speakers actually use these structures  helps you avoid mistakes and sound more natural.

The Correct Form: “Interested In”

We use interested in to express curiosity, attention, involvement, or attraction toward a topic, activity, or thing.

Common real-world examples:

I’m interested in digital marketing.
She’s interested in learning French.
They’re interested in starting a business.
He’s interested in modern art.

This structure works with:

• subjects (interested in science)
  • activities (interested in studying abroad)
  • situations (interested in what happened)

 

You might also enjoy: Canceled or Cancelled: Grammar + Examples + Usage [2025]

 

Why “Interested On” Is Incorrect

English relies heavily on fixed word partnerships (collocations).
Interested in is one of these established combinations.

The preposition on is typically used for:

• physical position (on the table)
  • media or platforms (on TV, on a website)
  • focus of action (working on a project)

It does not express emotional or intellectual interest.

So sentences like:

I’m interested on history.
She’s interested on fashion.

sound unnatural and incorrect in modern English.

A Nuanced Case: “Interested To + Verb”

There is a limited structure where interested to + verb appears naturally — mainly with verbs related to discovering information.

Examples:

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
She was interested to see the outcome.
We’re interested to know the final results.

This form is about finding out, not long-term interest.

For hobbies, skills, topics, or activities, native speakers overwhelmingly use interested in.

 

You might also enjoy: Sometime Vs. Some Time: Correct Usage + Examples

 

Practical Usage Rules (What Google-Level English Follows)

Form	When It’s Used	Natural Example
interested in + noun	topics/things	interested in technology
interested in + verb-ing	activities	interested in working remotely
interested to + hear/see/know	discovery	interested to hear more
interested on	incorrect	not standard English

Common Learner Errors (and Why They Happen)

Error 1 — Direct translation from other languages
Wrong: I’m interested on biology
Right: I’m interested in biology

Error 2 — Mixing verb structures
Wrong: I’m interested to studying English
Right: I’m interested in studying English

Error 3 — Overusing “to”
Correct English prefers gerunds after “interested.”

How Native Speakers Naturally Use It

In everyday English:

• interested in a job
  • interested in someone
  • interested in improving skills
  • interested in what you said

You will almost never hear “interested on” from native speakers.

 

You might also enjoy: When Do You Say Good Evening vs. Good Night?

 

Quick Memory Trick

If something is the focus of your curiosity, use:

→ interested in

If you want to find out information, sometimes:

→ interested to hear/see/know

Never:

→ interested on

FAQ

Is “interested in” always safe to use?

Yes. In almost all situations involving interest, curiosity, or involvement.

Does “interested on” exist in modern English?

No. It’s considered incorrect in standard usage.

Which sounds more natural: “interested to learn” or “interested in learning”?

“Interested in learning” is far more common and natural.

Can I replace it with “curious about”?

Yes — “curious about” works in many contexts, but it’s not interchangeable in all cases.

 

You might also enjoy: Receive vs. Recieve: Correct Spell + Examples [2025]

 

Conclusion

For clear, natural, and modern English:

Use interested in + noun or verb-ing
Avoid interested on completely

Mastering this small structure instantly improves fluency and grammatical accuracy.