enthusiasm wanes

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "enthusiasm wanes" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when someone's enthusiasm or excitement is gradually declining or fading away, for example: "The team started the project with enthusiasm, but as time went on, their enthusiasm waned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Gradually, though, his enthusiasm wanes.

The Guardian - Books

Somehow, the urgency of that enthusiasm wanes.

The Guardian

The other side reacted by saying, "We're going to have Support Chick-fil-A Day". So they show up one day and buy a bit more, but that enthusiasm wanes very quickly while the boycott is every day.

Stanford University

As "End of the Century" reveals even more starkly than the recent Metallica documentary, "Some Kind of Monster," harmony among band members becomes harder to sustain as the years gather, youthful enthusiasm wanes, and personalities define themselves.

The New York Times

"I didn't year after year of struggling because then enthusiasm wanes".

BBC

He would rather spread 3i's bets over a large number of businesses and make 3i's shareholders rich slowly, than put too many of their eggs in a high-tech basket that could spring holes if the stock markets' current enthusiasm wanes.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But then enthusiasm waned.

The New York Times - Science

My enthusiasm waned.

The New York Times

For a moment, though, his enthusiasm waned.

The New York Times - Style

It had started raining, and his guest's enthusiasm waned.

The New Yorker

After the holidays, my husband's enthusiasm waned.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enthusiasm wanes" to describe a gradual decrease in excitement or interest, rather than a sudden stop. This phrasing is best suited for situations where the decline is progressive and natural.

Common error

Avoid using "enthusiasm wanes" when describing a situation where excitement drops abruptly due to a specific event. In those cases, phrases like "enthusiasm plummeted" or "interest vanished" are more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enthusiasm wanes" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It asserts a gradual decline in enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig showcase its ability to describe a fading of excitement or interest over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enthusiasm wanes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a gradual decline in excitement or interest. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for general use and appears in numerous reliable sources. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions. While alternatives like ""interest diminishes"" or ""excitement fades"" exist, "enthusiasm wanes" provides a clear and effective way to communicate a progressive reduction in zeal. The usage patterns indicate its prevalence in news and media, reflecting its versatility in describing trends and sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interest diminishes

Focuses on the reduction of interest, a slightly broader term than enthusiasm.

excitement fades

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance of excitement, which is a more intense emotion than enthusiasm.

zeal declines

Uses 'zeal', implying a strong and passionate enthusiasm, making the decline more noticeable.

passion cools

Highlights a reduction in passionate feelings, suggesting a more personal or emotional context.

fervor diminishes

Similar to 'zeal declines', but with a slightly more formal tone.

appetite decreases

This relates to the loss of desire or eagerness, which can be related to enthusiasm.

motivation flags

Focuses specifically on the reduction of motivation, often implying a loss of energy or drive.

spirits dampen

Implies a reduction in overall mood or positive feelings, indirectly affecting enthusiasm.

eagerness subsides

Highlights the reduction of eagerness over the time.

dedication dwindles

Implies a gradual reduction in commitment and dedication over the time.

FAQs

How can I use "enthusiasm wanes" in a sentence?

You can use "enthusiasm wanes" to describe a gradual decline in excitement or interest over time. For example, "The team started with great enthusiasm, but their "enthusiasm wanes" as the project dragged on".

What are some alternatives to saying "enthusiasm wanes"?

Alternatives include "interest diminishes", "excitement fades", or "passion cools". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "enthusiasm wane"?

No, the correct form is "enthusiasm wanes" because "enthusiasm" is a singular noun and requires the singular verb form "wanes" in the present tense.

What's the difference between "enthusiasm wanes" and "enthusiasm diminishes"?

"Enthusiasm wanes" implies a more gradual and natural decline, while "enthusiasm diminishes" can suggest a more noticeable or significant reduction, though the terms are often interchangeable.