develop an enthusiasm for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop an enthusiasm for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to increase their interest in a particular topic or activity. For example, "I hope you develop an enthusiasm for reading as it will open up a whole new world to you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It wasn't until much later — after moving to New York City, oddly enough — that he began to develop an enthusiasm for farming.

The New York Times

As a parent, you imagine your children will adopt your excellent tastes, and it can be disheartening when they develop an enthusiasm for Hannah Montana or "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" ("Gilligan's Island" was so much better).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A bookish child, he developed an enthusiasm for ecclesiastical architecture when very young.

The Guardian

While spending summers at her father's house, she developed an enthusiasm for old movies.

The New York Times - Style

The first Christian monks, who had developed an enthusiasm for asceticism, appeared in Egypt and Syria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He later developed an enthusiasm for an American singer, Cher.Mr Farmelo's sympathetic portrait sketches Dirac's unhappy family background.

The Economist

In his efforts to feel more German he converted to Protestantism, started a body-building programme and developed an enthusiasm for medieval German art.

The Guardian - Books

There she developed an enthusiasm for botany, and in 1925 she began a series of journeys to remote locations in South and Central America and Alaska.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bubbles occur when the population develops an enthusiasm for a particular asset class, whether it be technology stocks in the late 1990s or houses in the mid-2000s.

The Economist

He studied art in London at the Chelsea College of Art and Design (1989 90) and at Goldsmiths College (1990 93; now Goldsmiths, University of London), where he developed an enthusiasm for film.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An earlier project was based on a story in one of the National Geographic magazines about a man who worked through a rough time in his life by developing an enthusiasm for sled-dog racing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop an enthusiasm for", ensure the subject has the opportunity and resources to explore the new interest. For example, "Providing art supplies can help children develop an enthusiasm for painting".

Common error

Don't pressure someone to "develop an enthusiasm for" something they genuinely dislike. Forcing interest can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on areas where they show natural curiosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop an enthusiasm for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring or cultivating interest in something. Ludwig examples show its use in describing how individuals or groups come to appreciate or enjoy a particular subject or activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop an enthusiasm for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the process of acquiring or cultivating an interest or passion. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable for encouraging interest in a topic. Usage is mostly seen in News & Media, encyclopedias and scientific writings. To effectively use this phrase, ensure there are opportunities for exploration and avoid pressuring someone into liking something. Related phrases include "cultivate a passion for" and "foster an interest in". It's a versatile phrase appropriate for various contexts, with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate a passion for

Emphasizes the active nurturing of a strong feeling.

foster an interest in

Highlights the encouragement of a growing curiosity.

nurture a love for

Focuses on developing a deep affection.

acquire a taste for

Suggests a gradual appreciation over time.

gain an appreciation of

Implies understanding and valuing something.

grow fond of

Indicates a gradual increase in affection.

become passionate about

Highlights a strong and intense feeling.

take a liking to

Suggests a mild and initial positive feeling.

embrace a fondness for

Highlights a strong inclination.

build an appetite for

Suggests a gradual increase of desire or appreciation.

FAQs

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

You can use "develop an enthusiasm for" to describe the process of cultivating interest in something. For example, "She hopes to "cultivate a passion for" cooking by taking culinary classes."

What are some alternatives to saying "develop an enthusiasm for"?

Alternatives include ""cultivate a passion for"", "foster an interest in", or "nurture a love for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "develop an enthusiasm for" or "develop a passion for"?

Both are correct, but "develop a passion for" suggests a stronger, more intense interest compared to "develop an enthusiasm for". The choice depends on the degree of interest you want to express.

Can "develop an enthusiasm for" be used in a negative context?

While less common, it can be used sarcastically to imply a sudden, perhaps insincere, interest. However, it's typically used in a positive or neutral context to describe genuine interest.