SpeakUp

Grammar fix

a vested interest

personal stake (often hidden or self-serving)

a strong personal reason for wanting something to happen, especially because you will get an advantage or benefit from it, sometimes at the expense of others.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The committee members all have a vested interest in the outcome of the decision.work
  • In my opinion, when politicians have a vested interest in certain industries, it can lead to biased decisions that do not benefit the public as a whole.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: have a vested interest (in something)

WrongHe has a vested interest on the deal.

RightHe has a vested interest in the deal.

'A vested interest IN something', not 'on'.

Patternhave a vested interest (in something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff They possess a personal pecuniary interest in the outcome.

Natural They've got a vested interest in the outcome.

'Pecuniary interest' is legalese; 'a vested interest in' is the natural idiom.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a vested interest in
    inhavesuchthose with

Don't confuse it

Unlike the general word 'interest', 'a vested interest' implies a personal benefit or hidden motive, not just curiosity or involvement.

Try it in Daily Speak →