enthusiasm for playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enthusiasm for playing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong interest or passion for engaging in a particular activity, such as a sport or a game. Example: "Her enthusiasm for playing the piano was evident as she performed at the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

His enthusiasm for playing the violin, he added, has not waned.

The New York Times - Arts

That certainly explains Dormer's enthusiasm for playing bad-ass film-maker Cressida in the Mockingjay movies.

The Guardian - Film

But Kingsley's enthusiasm for playing Shakespeare isn't just for the novel.

The Guardian - Film

Camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for playing music are what drive the ensemble, and those qualities came through on Tuesday in an adventurous program.

The New York Times - Arts

Kovalchuk, a native of Tver who came up through Spartak Moscow's youth teams, has long been known for his enthusiasm for playing for Russia.

The New York Times - Sports

Gareth Ritter, a teacher at a Willows high school in Cardiff, has begun using motion capture technology to harness his pupils' enthusiasm for playing games.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This may explain both the general enthusiasm for his playing — Django once borrowed a clown's metal toy guitar and played it; he couldn't play badly — and a certain hollowness to that enthusiasm.

The New Yorker

This dexterity makes him the natural partner of the girl, whose rosy-cheeked enthusiasm for play suggests she is equally nimble.

The Guardian - Arts

As experts see it, the roots of the jigsaw puzzle can be traced to 1693 and the publication of John Locke's "Some Thoughts Concerning Education," which popularized the idea that alphabet blocks could teach reading by harnessing children's natural enthusiasm for play.

The New York Times

This debut issue has interviews with Estrogen Highs and Dead Uncles, funny show and record reviews, and way too much enthusiasm for bands playing in basements from a man who should really know better.

Vice

OK, so the Sky Arts channels (they've multiplied now) are a reputation-building, loss-leader for the Sky brand, but they are also still the only place to find presenters with the kind of enthusiasm for books, plays, ballet and opera that you normally only see in relation to sport.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enthusiasm for playing" to convey a genuine and heartfelt interest, distinguishing it from mere participation.

Common error

Avoid using "enthusiasm for playing" in formal or serious contexts where a more neutral or professional tone is required. Consider alternatives like "interest in participation" or "commitment to the task" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enthusiasm for playing" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong feeling of interest and excitement towards participating in a particular activity. Ludwig shows it is used to express a positive attitude towards engaging in games, sports, or musical instruments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enthusiasm for playing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a strong and positive interest in engaging with a particular activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Alternatives like "passion for playing" or "zeal for playing" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use the phrase in appropriate contexts and be specific about the activity to ensure clarity. Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate its usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passion for playing

Replaces "enthusiasm" with "passion", indicating a stronger emotional connection.

zeal for playing

Uses "zeal" instead of "enthusiasm", suggesting intense eagerness.

eagerness to play

Shifts the focus to the anticipation of playing.

keenness on playing

Replaces "enthusiasm" with "keenness", indicating a strong interest.

relish for playing

Suggests enjoyment and delight in playing.

appetite for playing

Implies a strong desire or craving to play.

devotion to playing

Highlights a dedicated commitment to playing.

fervor for playing

Emphasizes intense and passionate enthusiasm.

excitement about playing

Focuses on the feeling of anticipation and thrill.

dedication to playing

Shows a committed interest and effort towards playing.

FAQs

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

You can use "enthusiasm for playing" to describe someone's strong interest or passion for a particular game or activity. For example, "Her "enthusiasm for playing" the piano was evident during her performance."

What are some alternatives to "enthusiasm for playing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "passion for playing", "eagerness to play", or "keenness on playing".

Is "enthusiasm to play" grammatically correct instead of "enthusiasm for playing"?

While "enthusiasm to play" might be understandable, ""enthusiasm for playing"" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted form. The preposition "for" correctly links "enthusiasm" with the gerund "playing."

How does "enthusiasm for playing" differ from "interest in playing"?

"Enthusiasm for playing" implies a stronger, more passionate interest compared to "interest in playing", which suggests a milder level of curiosity or engagement.