excessive enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessive enthusiasm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe when someone's enthusiasm for something is too much or unwarranted. For example, "The team's excessive enthusiasm to get the project done in record time caused them to overlook some important details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Excessive enthusiasm on cold tires could have disastrous consequences.

The New York Times

Both books display excessive enthusiasm for model numbers.

The New York Times

His criticism was that "elements of the law have been conceived and applied with excessive enthusiasm".

The Guardian

But history suggests that excessive enthusiasm can often precede a fall.

The New York Times

No one wants to spend a night in the bush because of excessive enthusiasm for a scat.

The New York Times

The president of the National League, fearing excessive enthusiasm, suggested that Robinson should develop a sprained ankle.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But when does an excessive healthy enthusiasm become an addiction?

BBC

On Day 2, my Fitbit began showing signs of excessive morning enthusiasm.

HuffPost

(I've decided my Fitbit is a girl). I don't like excessive morning enthusiasm -- my husband's or my Fitbit's -- but shoved her in my bra anyway.

HuffPost

Eventually during a boom, however, what is initially rational enthusiasm turns excessive as both borrowing and lending become increasingly speculative.

The New York Times

For boundless (and likely hasty) enthusiasm, department of excessive politicians, they were matched by comments from the German economics minister, Rainer Brüderle, who said the country was experiencing "a little job miracle," with full employment a reasonable perspective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excessive enthusiasm", consider the potential negative consequences of such exuberance, such as overlooking important details or alienating others. Balance passion with pragmatism.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "excessive enthusiasm" automatically translates to skill or knowledge. While passion is valuable, it should not overshadow actual ability or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive enthusiasm" functions as a noun phrase, where "excessive" modifies the noun "enthusiasm". Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing levels of enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excessive enthusiasm" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe enthusiasm that surpasses reasonable limits. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While suitable for various registers, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific domains. The phrase often carries a subtle negative connotation, implying that the heightened enthusiasm may be counterproductive or irrational. When employing this phrase, consider the potential implications of the excess and strive to balance passion with practicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overzealousness

Highlights an excess of zeal, potentially leading to inappropriate or harmful actions.

excessive zealotry

Highlights the negative aspects of extreme zeal, often associated with fanaticism.

exaggerated zeal

Implies a heightened intensity of enthusiasm, bordering on being over-the-top or theatrical.

undue fervor

Suggests that the fervor or intensity is inappropriate or unwarranted in a given situation.

immoderate eagerness

Emphasizes the lack of restraint in one's eagerness, suggesting a need for temperance.

unrestrained ardor

Focuses on the lack of control over one's ardor or passion.

intemperate excitement

Implies a lack of moderation in one's excitement, suggesting a loss of composure.

unbridled passion

Indicates a passion that is unrestrained and potentially overwhelming.

over-the-top exuberance

Denotes an exuberance that is excessive and potentially inappropriate for the setting.

fanatical devotion

Suggests a level of dedication that is extreme and potentially irrational.

FAQs

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

You can use "excessive enthusiasm" to describe situations where someone's passion becomes overwhelming or counterproductive, for example, "His "excessive enthusiasm" for the project led him to ignore critical feedback".

What are some synonyms for "excessive enthusiasm"?

Alternatives include "overzealousness", "exaggerated zeal", or "undue fervor", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "excessive enthusiasm" always negative?

While it often carries negative connotations due to the word "excessive", the phrase isn't inherently negative. It simply indicates an amount of enthusiasm that is beyond what is considered normal or appropriate. Whether this is positive or negative depends on the context.

What's the difference between "excessive enthusiasm" and "genuine passion"?

"Genuine passion" implies a heartfelt and sincere interest, whereas ""excessive enthusiasm"" suggests that the passion has reached a point where it might be irrational or counterproductive.