a consuming passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a consuming passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and intense interest or enthusiasm for something. Example: "Her love for painting is not just a hobby; it's a consuming passion that drives her every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Marian Goodman's father, Maurice Geller, had a consuming passion for modern art.

The New Yorker

Rather, they most often started as a hobby, and gradually became a consuming passion.

The New York Times

It has become a professional home, and the search for Croesus a consuming passion.

The New York Times - Science

An assignment that he thought would last only a few months quickly turned into a consuming passion.

The New Yorker

So when a company's stock price is climbing, keeping tally of that stock price can become a consuming passion.

The New York Times

For many young dancers ballet is a consuming passion that may or may not lead to a career.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Football became a more consuming passion in 1989, when the university essentially bought its way into the postseason, agreeing to buy 14,000 tickets at a cost of $350,000 to participate in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.

The New York Times - Sports

They replaced the Pushkin character's single-minded obsession with discovering the old countess's secret for winning at cards with a dual fascination, the other being an equally consuming passion for Lisa, the countess's granddaughter.

The New York Times - Arts

This difference in the extent of deactivated cortex, compared to the deactivated cortex in the context of romantic love, may seem surprising, since hate too can be an all consuming passion.

Plosone

As with everything else the pursuit of sexual pleasure should be approached with mild interest rather than an all consuming passion.

WikiHow

The BBC will produce a TV drama, "Consuming Passion," to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the romantic paperback publisher Mills & Boon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a consuming passion" to effectively communicate a profound and unwavering enthusiasm for a specific subject or activity. It suggests that the interest is not merely casual, but rather a central and defining aspect of someone's life or identity.

Common error

While "a consuming passion" is widely understood, consider whether it's appropriate for highly formal or technical writing. In such cases, more neutral terms like "strong interest" or "dedication" may be preferable to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a consuming passion" functions as a noun phrase, where "consuming" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "passion". As shown by Ludwig, this phrase typically describes a very strong interest or enthusiasm for something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a consuming passion" is a commonly used phrase to describe an intense and profound interest or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct and it is particularly frequent in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the context and tone, opting for more neutral terms in formal or technical settings. Alternative phrases like "intense preoccupation" or "profound fascination" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance required. By understanding its usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an all-absorbing interest

Highlights how the interest takes up a significant amount of time and attention.

a driving enthusiasm

Focuses on the motivational aspect of the strong interest.

a profound fascination

Stresses the deep and captivating nature of the interest.

a fervent dedication

Highlights the enthusiastic and committed nature of the interest.

a singular focus

Emphasizes the concentrated attention directed towards a single area of interest.

an intense preoccupation

Emphasizes the mental absorption and focus on a particular subject or activity.

a boundless zeal

Emphasizes the limitless energy and eagerness associated with the interest.

a burning desire

Conveys a strong and urgent longing or craving related to the interest.

a powerful obsession

Implies a more compulsive and potentially unhealthy level of interest.

a gripping infatuation

Suggests a captivating and sometimes irrational attraction.

FAQs

How can I use "a consuming passion" in a sentence?

You can use "a consuming passion" to describe someone's intense interest or enthusiasm for something. For example, "Her love for music is not just a hobby; it's "a consuming passion" that drives her every day."

What are some alternatives to "a consuming passion"?

You can use alternatives like "intense preoccupation", "fervent dedication", or "profound fascination" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "consuming passion" positive or negative?

Generally, "consuming passion" has a neutral to positive connotation. However, the context is crucial. If the passion leads to neglecting other important aspects of life, it could be viewed negatively. Consider alternatives that may sound more neutral.

What's the difference between "a hobby" and "a consuming passion"?

A hobby is a recreational activity pursued for pleasure during leisure time. "A consuming passion" implies a much deeper level of involvement, dedication, and emotional investment. It's more than just a pastime; it's a driving force.