an overwhelming passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming passion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong and intense feeling or enthusiasm for something. Example: "Her overwhelming passion for painting was evident in every brushstroke she made on the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Only an overwhelming passion for carnival and a heroic urge for self-sacrifice can explain why people take on the job of trying to organise the unorganisable.

The Guardian

But Dr Feng-hsiung Hsu, the Taiwanese creator of IBM supercomputer Deep Blue, is equally a man in the grip of an overwhelming passion.

The Guardian

The soul of the expatriate is a complicated thing, for though it may long for its native country with an overwhelming passion, it will often revel in its own independent spirit -- the very quality that helped it travel far from home.

The New York Times

Conceiving an overwhelming passion for garage, he forms a DJ partnership with his friend Stan Hugo Conzelmannn), drolly calling themselves Cheers, and his friends include graphic artist Cyril (Roman Kolinka), fellow clubber Arnaud (Vincent Macaigne), American girlfriend Julia (Gerwig), and other girlfriends Louise (Pauline Etienne) and Yasmin (Golshifteh Farahani).

The Guardian - Film

In "West of Rome (My Dog Stupid)," in which he calls her Harriet, he writes about the family's home: "It was paid for, right down to the last sprinkler head, and I had an overwhelming passion to dump it and get out of the country.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mason decides there and then to go, and Jackie begs to join him, with a strange, overwhelming passion.

The Guardian - Film

If art can have such a powerful effect on us, might not the person who created that art also be a source of overwhelming passion?

The New York Times - Books

The prelude began with aching, pregnant pauses between its phrases, but grew into a torrent of overwhelming passion, as if containing in microcosm the expressive dualities of the opera: night and day, love and death, reality and illusion.

The Guardian - Music

And "Roller Coaster" is unexpectedly lovely, a simple conceit about overwhelming passion rendered elegantly: "She's like a song playing over and over/In my mind, where I still hold her".

The New York Times - Arts

It's not a violence, but they convey a very strong and almost overwhelming passion".

The New York Times - Arts

Oddly, considering their overwhelming passion for hip-hop, this is a punky guitar band.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overwhelming passion" to convey a sense of intense enthusiasm or dedication that significantly influences someone's actions or decisions. It is particularly effective when describing motivations or life choices.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming passion" to describe mild interests or hobbies. Reserve it for situations where the passion truly dominates a person's thoughts and actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming passion" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" modifies the noun "passion". It describes a strong and intense emotion that dominates one's thoughts and actions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming passion" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong and intense feeling of enthusiasm or dedication. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase effectively conveys deep-seated motivations and significant life choices. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it is essential to reserve its use for situations where the passion truly dominates a person's thoughts and actions. Alternatives such as "consuming passion" or "intense enthusiasm" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consuming passion

Replaces "overwhelming" with "consuming", emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the passion.

an intense enthusiasm

Replaces passion with enthusiasm, stressing excitement and eagerness.

a fervent dedication

Emphasizes commitment and loyalty, adding a sense of serious devotion.

a burning desire

Shifts from passion to desire, highlighting a strong longing or ambition.

a great ardor

Uses a more formal term, "ardor", to describe intense enthusiasm or love.

an unbridled zeal

Highlights unrestrained enthusiasm and fervor.

a deep fascination

Focuses on intense interest and captivation, rather than general enthusiasm.

an all-consuming love

Changes passion to love, specifying the emotion as romantic or deeply affectionate.

a powerful obsession

Implies a compulsive and potentially unhealthy level of passion.

an uncontrollable urge

Replaces passion with urge, denoting an irresistible impulse to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "an overwhelming passion" in a sentence?

You can use "an overwhelming passion" to describe a strong and intense feeling or enthusiasm for something. For example: "Her "an overwhelming passion" for painting was evident in every brushstroke."

What are some alternatives to saying "an overwhelming passion"?

You can use alternatives like "intense enthusiasm", "burning desire", or "deep fascination" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an overwhelming passion" in formal writing?

Yes, "an overwhelming passion" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately depicting intense dedication or enthusiasm. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of the piece.

What's the difference between "an overwhelming passion" and "a strong interest"?

"An overwhelming passion" suggests a far more intense and driving force than "a strong interest". Passion implies a deep emotional commitment that significantly influences behavior, while interest denotes a more casual liking.