shows enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows enthusiasm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone’s display of excitement or eagerness about a particular subject or activity. Example: "Her presentation on renewable energy shows enthusiasm, which inspires the audience to engage with the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If no portfolio is required, you should still bring a few of your favorite works to your appointment or submit them with your application; it shows enthusiasm.

The New York Times

On his tablet, the teacher moves a green-coded female student ("actively participates: 98 percent") next to a red-and-yellow coded boy ("shows enthusiasm: 67 percent").

The New York Times

Sonia Gandhi, Nehru's grand-daughter-in-law and Congress's shadowy president, shows enthusiasm for welfare schemes, usually named after a relative, but not for job-creating reforms.

The Economist

By turns, it shows enthusiasm for democratic reforms and autocratic continuity – and has been interpreted as both supportive and critical of political Islam.

The Guardian

"If a pupil shows enthusiasm, he is recruited into their circles and then suddenly, bang! -- he takes a gun and goes to Afghanistan to fight for Islam".

The New York Times

Non-academic interests: Universities are looking at more than just your academic interests: "We want someone who shows enthusiasm and passion more generally, for example through clubs and societies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

They showed enthusiasm.

The New York Times - Sports

How would they show enthusiasm?

The New York Times

This is the Lyonnais way of showing enthusiasm.

The Guardian

Investors showed enthusiasm for technology companies on Wednesday.

The New York Times

It was all right, Valentine said, to show enthusiasm.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's attitude towards a new project, using "shows enthusiasm" can clearly convey their positive and proactive stance. For example, "The team lead shows enthusiasm for the new marketing strategy, which motivates the entire team."

Common error

While "shows enthusiasm" is a valid phrase, overusing it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "demonstrates passion" or "exhibits eagerness" to provide a more nuanced depiction of the subject's attitude. Be thoughtful in your selection of descriptive words to have a greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows enthusiasm" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of displaying excitement or interest. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase effectively communicates a positive attitude or proactive engagement towards a subject or activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shows enthusiasm" is a grammatically sound way to describe someone's display of excitement or interest, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not overly common, it's appropriate in a range of contexts, including news, science, and professional communications. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage in a diversity of situations. Alternatives like "demonstrates passion" or "exhibits eagerness" can add variety to your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and strive for specific and impactful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates passion

Replaces "enthusiasm" with "passion", emphasizing a stronger emotional commitment.

exhibits eagerness

Substitutes "enthusiasm" with "eagerness", highlighting a keen anticipation or willingness.

expresses zeal

Uses "zeal" instead of "enthusiasm", indicating fervent or fanatical devotion.

radiates excitement

Focuses on the outward display of excitement, suggesting an infectious energy.

displays interest

Offers a more general term for showing positive engagement.

evinces fervor

Replaces "enthusiasm" with "fervor", indicating intense and passionate feeling.

indicates support

Shifts the focus to demonstrating approval or backing.

manifests keenness

Uses "keenness" as a synonym for enthusiasm, suggesting sharp interest.

projects positivity

Highlights the positive attitude associated with enthusiasm.

communicates zest

Employs "zest" instead of "enthusiasm", emphasizing energy and enjoyment.

FAQs

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

You can use "shows enthusiasm" to describe someone displaying excitement or eagerness. For example, "The candidate "shows enthusiasm" during the interview" or "The professor "shows enthusiasm" for the subject matter".

What are some alternatives to "shows enthusiasm"?

Alternatives include "demonstrates passion", "exhibits eagerness", or "expresses zeal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "shows enthusiasm" or "demonstrates enthusiasm"?

Both "shows enthusiasm" and "demonstrates enthusiasm" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice depends on the context and your personal writing style. "Demonstrates" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "shows enthusiasm" and "is enthusiastic"?

"Shows enthusiasm" describes an action or behavior, while "is enthusiastic" describes a state of being. For example, "The team member "shows enthusiasm" when presented with new challenges," versus "The team member "is enthusiastic" about the project".