avid amateurs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avid amateurs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about a particular hobby or activity, despite not being professionals in that field. Example: "The photography club is filled with avid amateurs who spend their weekends capturing stunning landscapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

THE AVID AMATEURS At the end of the day, though, who can compete with the National Trust?

The New York Times

The professional paparazzi have been joined by avid amateurs armed with digital cameras and Web uploads, waiting for a young actor to strip off his clothes on some secluded beach.

The New Yorker

The marketplace has always been a part of artistic creation: Rembrandt's studio manufactured works in the master's style; Dickens wrote novels for popular serialization; Brahms made an exceptionally comfortable living from publishers who sold his scores to avid amateurs.

The New York Times - Books

Instead, he found a lovely bunch of avid amateurs and serious professionals.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Among the Masters story angles that often intrigued him were foreigners (he was not one, having hailed from North Carolina), lefthanders (this, he was) and golf's roots in amateurism and gentility (he was an avid amateur player, more genteel on the course than off of it).

The New York Times - Sports

He was also an avid amateur silversmith and gardener.

The New York Times

He was an avid amateur photographer and showed locally on occasion.

The New York Times

An avid amateur ornithologist, Joe traveled the world looking for exotic birds.

The New York Times

The electrical contracting magnate Joseph F. Lizzadro Sr., an avid amateur stone carver, set up the museum in 1962.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Whipple was also an avid amateur pilot for many years.

The New York Times

And the rest had become known quantities to avid amateur players.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of people engaged in a hobby or activity, use "avid amateurs" to convey both their enthusiasm and lack of professional status. This highlights their passion rather than focusing solely on their expertise.

Common error

Avoid replacing "avid amateurs" with simply "amateurs" in contexts where their enthusiasm and dedication are crucial to the meaning. "Amateurs" alone can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness, while "avid amateurs" emphasizes their passion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avid amateurs" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "avid" modifies the noun "amateurs". This construction highlights the enthusiasm and passion of individuals engaged in an activity without professional status. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avid amateurs" effectively describes individuals who are enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular hobby or activity without being professionals. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts and academic settings. When using this phrase, remember that "avid" emphasizes the passion and commitment of the "amateurs", distinguishing them from those with only a casual interest. Consider alternatives like "enthusiastic hobbyists" or "passionate enthusiasts" to vary your writing. The key is to maintain the emphasis on both enthusiasm and non-professional status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiastic hobbyists

Replaces "avid" with "enthusiastic" and "amateurs" with the more general term "hobbyists".

passionate enthusiasts

Uses "passionate" instead of "avid" and "enthusiasts" instead of "amateurs", emphasizing the strong emotional connection.

dedicated non-professionals

Focuses on the commitment level and lack of professional status.

keen hobbyists

Replaces "avid" with "keen", indicating eagerness and enthusiasm.

devoted amateurs

Highlights the dedication and commitment of the amateurs.

zealous devotees

Uses stronger terms to convey intense passion and dedication.

ardent followers

Emphasizes the enthusiastic following or support they have for a particular activity.

serious hobbyists

Focuses on the level of commitment and dedication to the hobby.

committed non-experts

Highlights the lack of expertise while emphasizing their dedication.

active participants

A more general term that emphasizes involvement and engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "avid amateurs" in a sentence?

Use "avid amateurs" to describe non-professionals who are highly enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular activity. For example, "The local astronomy club is full of "avid amateurs" who spend countless nights observing the stars".

What's a good alternative to "avid amateurs"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "enthusiastic hobbyists", "passionate enthusiasts", or "dedicated non-professionals".

What does "avid" mean in the phrase "avid amateurs"?

In this context, "avid" means enthusiastic, eager, and passionate. It emphasizes the strong interest and dedication of the amateurs to their chosen activity.

Is it redundant to say "avid amateurs"? Can't amateurs be assumed to be enthusiastic?

While not all amateurs are necessarily enthusiastic, using "avid" adds emphasis and highlights the degree of passion and dedication. It helps to distinguish those who are truly committed from those who are simply casually interested.