sudden enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden enthusiasm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or abrupt feeling of excitement or eagerness about something. Example: "After hearing the news about the project, she felt a sudden enthusiasm to get started right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Music

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Mr Obama's sudden enthusiasm has given the American firms hope.

The Economist

Does the government's sudden enthusiasm for public ownership extend beyond the banking sector?

The Guardian - Business

He shook his head in disbelief as he cited Eden Hazard's sudden enthusiasm for chasing down the opposition's right-back.

Independent

The reaction to George Osborne's sudden enthusiasm for flat taxes was a warning against half-baked notions.

The Economist

He is a warm-hearted figure, slowly and softly spoken, his face given to lighting up with sudden enthusiasm.

The Guardian - Music

Some of the families of StreetSquash and CitySquash players seem amused by their children's sudden enthusiasm for squash.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In her own work, she picked up sudden enthusiasms, some of which she equally quickly dropped.

The Guardian - Arts

Moody, bookish, given to sudden enthusiasms and bouts of self-delusion, he made several false starts in young adult life.

The Guardian - Arts

We have four children who have colds, homework problems, loud voices, bad dreams, strange anxieties, sudden enthusiasms, big appetites and muddy shoes.

The Guardian - Film

But the sudden fierce enthusiasm for fiscal austerity, especially among stronger economies, is likely to backfire, condemning Europe to years of stagnation or worse.

The New York Times

That Venezuela finished top of the league did not reflect sudden investor enthusiasm for Hugo Chávez's regime, but was the consequence of the Caracas market's dismal performance in 2007; international investors had long since given up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction in a narrative, using "sudden enthusiasm" can effectively convey an immediate shift in their emotional state.

Common error

Avoid attributing "sudden enthusiasm" without providing context or plausible reasons for its emergence; unexplained shifts in emotion can appear unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden enthusiasm" functions as a noun phrase, where "sudden" modifies the noun "enthusiasm". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of feeling. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Arts

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Sports

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden enthusiasm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an abrupt increase in excitement or interest. According to Ludwig, it is correctly used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternative phrases like "abrupt zeal" or "instant fervor" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides a logical basis for the sudden shift in emotion. By avoiding unexplained motivations, you can effectively use "sudden enthusiasm" to enhance your writing. It’s important to consider the register of your writing and select alternatives that match the overall tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abrupt zeal

Emphasizes the unexpected and intense nature of the enthusiasm.

instant fervor

Highlights the immediate and passionate aspect of the enthusiasm.

spontaneous excitement

Focuses on the unplanned and animated nature of the enthusiasm.

unforeseen eagerness

Stresses the unexpected and anticipatory quality of the enthusiasm.

unexpected burst of interest

Indicates a sudden and notable increase in interest.

immediate passion

Highlights the instantaneous and strong emotional response.

swift surge of excitement

Emphasizes the speed and intensity of the emotional surge.

sudden spark of interest

Suggests a quick and noticeable ignition of interest.

unprompted excitement

Highlights that the excitement arose without external encouragement.

impulsive zeal

Focuses on the spontaneous and energetic nature of the enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden enthusiasm" to describe a quick and unexpected burst of excitement or interest. For example, "Despite initial reservations, she showed a "sudden enthusiasm" for the project after understanding its potential impact."

What can I say instead of "sudden enthusiasm"?

You can use alternatives like "abrupt zeal", "instant fervor", or "spontaneous excitement" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sudden enthusiasm" in formal writing?

Yes, "sudden enthusiasm" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a shift in attitude or interest. However, ensure the tone aligns with the formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "sudden enthusiasm" and "fleeting interest"?

"Sudden enthusiasm" implies a strong, immediate burst of excitement, while "fleeting interest" suggests a brief, passing curiosity. The former is more intense but not necessarily lasting, whereas the latter is both brief and less intense.