show zeal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show zeal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express enthusiasm, eagerness, or passion towards a task or subject. Example: "In her presentation, she really showed zeal for the project, inspiring her team to get involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Oilman-to-be Pickens also showed zeal as a 12-year-old paperboy, quickly expanding his 28-house paper route to 156 by taking over the routes of his competitors.

Forbes

Certainly, few show much zeal to investigate Mr Ortega's.Mr Aleman's skeleton, in a still unfolding drama, is a Lear executive jet.

The Economist

These are old arrangements, and old-fashioned too, but the authorities show no zeal to alter them.Nor is Chile typical of the region.

The Economist

As a result, this year is on pace to be the deadliest in the Afghan war so far, as the insurgent attacks show rising zeal and sophistication.

The New York Times

Non-established clergy, who rely on the collection plate, show greater "zeal" in proselytising "the inferior ranks of people" than the established, salaried sort, who are more interested in sucking up to clerical bigwigs.

The Economist

The authorities did not show such zeal in December, when it was supporters of the Brotherhood and other Islamists who attacked the opposition near the presidential palace in Cairo.

The New York Times

The show of zeal by Labour MPs on June 8th was purportedly stage-managed by them.This gift for politicking helped to see off rivals to Mr Brown's leader-in-waiting status during Mr Blair's 13 years in charge, as well as Mr Miliband's embryonic challenge last summer.

The Economist

But Mr. Wolfowitz, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and other Pentagon officials have yet to show similar zeal in vindicating the rights of the reporters and photographers who have been killed in Iraq when the United States military apparently failed to consider their likely presence.

The New York Times

Only when addressing the legalization of Marijuana did he show any zeal.

Huffington Post

Often, it is these States parties that show more zeal in avoiding their responsibilities than in partnering with the Committee on the Rights of the Child in promoting, protecting and supporting childrens rights.

Unicef

Mr Fukui has shown greater zeal to use unorthodox monetary policies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show zeal" when you want to emphasize that someone is not just feeling enthusiastic, but actively demonstrating it through their actions and behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "show zeal" in situations where the enthusiasm is excessive or uncontrolled, bordering on mania. Zeal implies passion and dedication, while mania suggests an unhealthy obsession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show zeal" functions as a verb phrase, where "show" is the verb and "zeal" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the act of outwardly displaying enthusiasm or passion. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show zeal" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey the active demonstration of enthusiasm. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent across contexts like news, business, and science. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's best used when highlighting someone's active engagement and passion, but should be differentiated from excessive or uncontrolled enthusiasm. Alternatives like "demonstrate enthusiasm" or "exhibit passion" can be used to convey slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate enthusiasm

Emphasizes the outward display of enthusiasm, rather than just possessing it.

exhibit passion

Highlights the intense emotion and strong feeling.

display eagerness

Focuses on the enthusiastic anticipation and willingness.

manifest fervor

Implies a more intense and ardent enthusiasm.

radiate commitment

Highlights dedication and devotion through outward expression.

express ardor

Similar to passion but conveys a sense of warmth and intensity of feeling.

project dedication

Emphasizes the communication of one's dedication to others.

illustrate keenness

Keenness is about a sharp interest or enthusiasm.

reveal intensity

Focuses on unveiling a deep and powerful emotional investment.

evince passion

More formal way to describe expressing or demonstrating passion.

FAQs

How can I use "show zeal" in a sentence?

You can use "show zeal" to describe someone actively demonstrating enthusiasm or passion for a particular task or cause. For example, "The volunteer "demonstrated enthusiasm" during the community cleanup project."

What are some alternatives to "show zeal"?

Alternatives to "show zeal" include "demonstrate enthusiasm", "exhibit passion", or "display eagerness", each carrying slightly different connotations of outward expression of enthusiasm.

Is it better to "show zeal" or "have zeal"?

"Show zeal" emphasizes the active demonstration of enthusiasm, while "have zeal" focuses on possessing the internal feeling. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the action or the inherent quality.

In what contexts is "show zeal" most appropriate?

"Show zeal" is appropriate in contexts where active demonstration of enthusiasm is expected or valued, such as in volunteer work, project leadership, or advocacy roles.