gung-ho

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gung-ho" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is overly enthusiastic or eager, often in a team or work context. Example: "The new recruits were gung-ho about their training, ready to tackle any challenge that came their way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They're gung-ho.

The New York Times - Magazine

"All gung-ho".

The New York Times

"I'm totally gung-ho.

The New York Times

"They were gung-ho.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gung-ho militarist.

The New York Times

They were all gung-ho.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I wasn't gung ho.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm gung ho," she said.

The New Yorker

Really on it, gung ho.

The Guardian

"And now they're all gung ho".

The New Yorker

The police are not as gung ho as ministers imply.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gung-ho" to describe a person or group's overly enthusiastic and eager approach, especially when joining a cause or taking on a task.

Common error

While "gung-ho" effectively conveys enthusiasm, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "enthusiastic" or "eager" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gung-ho" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something characterized by extreme enthusiasm and eagerness. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used to depict individuals or groups embracing tasks with great zeal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gung-ho" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe someone or something with extreme enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptance in standard English, and it is very common in news, academic, and scientific contexts. To maintain variety in writing, consider using synonyms like "enthusiastic" or "eager". The phrase is best used to highlight energetic and proactive approaches, as seen in real-world examples. Be mindful of overuse, and remember its origins in the Chinese phrase for "work together".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gung ho about

Slight rephrasing using "about" to indicate the object of enthusiasm.

gung ho for

Similar rephrasing to "gung ho about" but replacing about with "for".

gung-ho attitude

Transforms the adjective into a noun phrase to describe a general disposition.

enthusiastic

A general term for showing excitement and interest, less intense than "gung-ho".

zealous

Implies a fervent and sometimes excessive enthusiasm, similar in intensity but can have a negative connotation.

keen

Signifies a strong interest or liking, but can be less outwardly expressive than "gung-ho".

eager

Suggests a strong desire to do something, focusing on anticipation rather than current action.

passionate

Indicates a deep emotional commitment, which might not always translate to immediate action.

wholehearted

Implies sincerity and complete dedication but lacks the overt excitement of "gung-ho".

committed

Focuses on dedication and responsibility, without necessarily implying exuberance.

FAQs

How can I use "gung-ho" in a sentence?

You can use "gung-ho" to describe someone who is extremely enthusiastic and eager, like "The new team members were very "gung-ho" about the project".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gung-ho"?

Alternatives to "gung-ho" include "enthusiastic", "zealous", or "eager", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "gung-ho for" something?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "gung-ho for" something. It means they are very enthusiastic about it. For example, "She was "gung-ho" for the new initiative".

What's the origin of the term "gung-ho"?

The term "gung-ho" originated from a Chinese phrase meaning "work together". It was popularized by U.S. Marines during World War II.