a wave of enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of enthusiasm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and strong feeling of excitement or eagerness among a group of people. Example: "The announcement of the new project was met with a wave of enthusiasm from the team, who were eager to get started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The bill passed in March on a wave of enthusiasm among Republicans fresh from victories.

The New York Times

News of the excavations kindled a wave of enthusiasm for antiquity that spread throughout Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Khan's campaign has triggered a wave of enthusiasm, particularly among younger voters.

The Guardian

The steep losses came as a shock to a market that has been riding a wave of enthusiasm recently.

The New York Times

Almost immediately activists were reporting a wave of enthusiasm from members for the concept of having "NUT trains".

The Guardian - Opinion

It's because we voted Blair in on a wave of enthusiasm in 1997, and now feel like chumps.

The Guardian

On Tuesday evening, Christie's sale of Post-War and Contemporary art was bolstered by a wave of enthusiasm rarely witnessed at any time.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is a very, very exciting day," he said, riding a wave of enthusiasm that has swept his campaign in recent days as polls show him surging.

The New York Times

The biggest fear for Mr. Romney's campaign is that he is coasting on a wave of enthusiasm rather than building upon it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

THERE are elections where the victors are swept into power on a wave of popular enthusiasm.

The Economist

In a wave of revolutionary enthusiasm, Soviet forces advanced through Poland to the outskirts of Warsaw (early August).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a wave of enthusiasm” to describe a collective feeling, not an individual's emotion. For example, "The team greeted the new product launch with a wave of enthusiasm" is better than "John felt a wave of enthusiasm".

Common error

Avoid using “a wave of enthusiasm” without clearly specifying what is generating the enthusiasm. Be precise; vague references can dilute the impact. For example, instead of saying "A wave of enthusiasm swept through the office", specify "A wave of enthusiasm for the new project swept through the office."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of enthusiasm" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a sudden and widespread feeling of excitement or eagerness. Ludwig examples highlight its usage in describing reactions to events, ideas, or people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of enthusiasm" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a surge of collective excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across a variety of contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best employed to depict collective sentiments and should be attributed to a specific cause to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a surge of excitement" or "a flood of enthusiasm" for slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the enthusiasm. Overall, the phrase remains a reliable and effective way to communicate widespread positive sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of excitement

Focuses more on the intensity and suddenness of the feeling.

a groundswell of support

Implies a broader base of growing enthusiasm.

a burst of energy

Emphasizes the dynamic and active aspect of enthusiasm.

a rising tide of interest

Suggests a gradual increase in enthusiasm over time.

a fervor

Implies a more intense and passionate form of enthusiasm.

a swell of optimism

Highlights the hopeful aspect of the feeling.

an outburst of passion

Emphasizes the emotional and unrestrained expression of enthusiasm.

a spark of eagerness

Conveys a more subtle and initial form of enthusiasm.

an upswing of excitement

Indicates an upward trend and a positive change in feelings.

a flush of zeal

Highlights the fervent and dedicated aspect of enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "a wave of enthusiasm" in a sentence?

You can use "a wave of enthusiasm" to describe a surge of collective excitement or eagerness. For example, "The announcement of the new partnership was met with "a wave of enthusiasm" from the shareholders".

What are some alternatives to "a wave of enthusiasm"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a surge of excitement", "a flood of enthusiasm", or "a groundswell of support", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a wave of enthusiasm" in formal writing?

Yes, “a wave of enthusiasm” is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts like news reports or academic analyses where you want to describe a widespread feeling of excitement or support. Ludwig AI confirms the widespread usage.

What is the difference between "a wave of enthusiasm" and "a sense of enthusiasm"?

"A wave of enthusiasm" implies a sudden and widespread expression of excitement, whereas "a sense of enthusiasm" suggests a more subtle and individual feeling. The former is collective and often short-lived, while the latter can be personal and enduring.