just out of interest | as a matter of interest

This page is about the conversational phrase just out of interest | as a matter of interest

Meaning

You can say this before asking for information you're interested in, but have no intention of using for any other purpose.

For example

  • "Just out of interest, how much did they get for their house?"

  • "As a matter of interest, how long did the negotiations take before they signed the contract?"

Quick Quiz

You can say "Just out of interest" or "As a matter of interest" before asking for

a. information you need

b. help in getting information

c. information you find interesting
a) information you need b) help in getting information c) information you find interesting

Contributor: Matt Errey