an enthusiasm for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an enthusiasm for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong interest or passion for a particular subject or activity. Example: "She has an enthusiasm for painting that is evident in her vibrant artwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"There's fun and an enthusiasm for architecture".

The New York Times

Debussy and Stravinsky shared an enthusiasm for this captivating work.

The New York Times

British politicians of all hues profess an enthusiasm for football.

The Economist

The Stangels also share an enthusiasm for Chris.

The New York Times - Magazine

And Calder's gift began with an enthusiasm for the circus.

The Guardian - Arts

Floyd had an enthusiasm for huge, fat-drenched bourgeois flavours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not everyone shares an enthusiasm for opening ceremonies or the Olympic Games.

The New York Times - Sports

This has replaced an enthusiasm for emerging economies that often left it badly burnt.

The Economist

Finland has all the usual Scandinavian virtues plus an enthusiasm for saunas.

Independent

Respect for science, and an enthusiasm for learning from it, are fully compatible with rejecting scientism.

The New York Times - Books

Britain and Poland share an enthusiasm for a single market in services and for EU enlargement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an enthusiasm for" when you want to convey a genuine and positive interest in a subject or activity. It suggests more than just liking; it implies a lively and active engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "an enthusiasm for" when describing mild preferences or routine tasks. This phrase is best reserved for expressing genuine passion or excitement, not for things you simply tolerate or do out of obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an enthusiasm for" functions as a noun phrase expressing a strong positive feeling or interest towards something. It serves to highlight a person's passion or eagerness in relation to a particular subject or activity, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an enthusiasm for" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express a strong positive interest or passion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business writing. While alternatives like "a passion for" or "a keen interest in" exist, choosing the right phrase depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoiding its use for mild preferences ensures its impact when describing genuine excitement. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the use of "an enthusiasm for" enhances your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passion for

Replaces "enthusiasm" with a stronger emotion, suggesting a more intense feeling.

a love of

Expresses a deep affection and pleasure for something.

a keen interest in

Indicates a strong and active curiosity, but may imply less emotional intensity.

a zest for

Conveys a lively and energetic enjoyment, often associated with life or activities.

a fervor for

Implies intense and passionate devotion or excitement.

a strong liking for

Suggests a positive preference or fondness, but less intensity than "enthusiasm".

an eagerness for

Emphasizes anticipation and excitement, focusing on the beginning or expectation of something.

a great appreciation of

Highlights the recognition of value or merit in something.

a dedication to

Highlights commitment and devotion, often involving sustained effort.

an appetite for

Suggests a strong desire or craving, particularly for something enjoyable or fulfilling.

FAQs

How can I use "an enthusiasm for" in a sentence?

You can use "an enthusiasm for" to describe someone's passion or strong interest in a particular subject or activity. For example, "She has "an enthusiasm for" classical music" or "He showed "an enthusiasm for" learning new languages".

What are some alternatives to "an enthusiasm for"?

Some alternatives to "an enthusiasm for" include "a passion for", "a keen interest in", or "a strong liking for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an enthusiasm to" instead of "an enthusiasm for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "enthusiasm" in this context is "for". "An enthusiasm to" is grammatically incorrect. You should always use ""an enthusiasm for"".

What's the difference between "an enthusiasm for" and "an interest in"?

"An enthusiasm for" implies a stronger, more active and passionate interest compared to "an interest in". While both suggest a positive inclination, "enthusiasm" conveys a greater level of excitement and engagement.