the zealous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the zealous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who are fervent or passionate about a particular cause or belief. Example: "The zealous supporters of the environmental movement gathered to protest against pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Also helpful was the zealous sommelier.

The New York Times - Travel

"We hope that will forestall the zealous cleanup folks from working without supervision".

The New York Times

What's needed, the zealous Dadaist goes on, is vandalism and desecration.

The New Yorker

So where does that leave the zealous scooper and swallower of shellfish?

Independent

Nor does he subscribe to the zealous worldview of religious settlers.

The Economist

The zealous searching for personal identity was only intensified, however, when the dynasty finally collapsed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the years since, the zealous compassion of his rhetoric towards the vulnerable has been matched by the zealous conservatism of his actions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The zealous prosecution of national-security whistle-blowers is a stain on Obama's legacy.

The New Yorker

At first, the government of the zealous reformer Zoran Djindjic decided to proceed cautiously.

The Guardian

This is a good moment to reconsider the zealous prosecution of leakers.

The New Yorker

The zealous, self-appointed guardians of her memory should be grateful to Dogar rather than outraged.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the zealous" to describe individuals or groups who demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm and dedication towards a specific cause or activity. Ensure that the context aligns with the positive connotations of the word, avoiding situations where the intensity might be perceived negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "the zealous" when describing actions that could be interpreted as overly aggressive or intrusive. Zeal can sometimes imply a lack of moderation, so ensure your word choice reflects the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the zealous" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a quality of strong enthusiasm or passion. Ludwig AI's examples show it frequently precedes nouns referring to people or groups, such as "the zealous supporters" or "the zealous reformers."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the zealous" is a phrase used to describe someone with great enthusiasm and passion. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, be mindful of the connotations of zeal, ensuring it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives include "the enthusiastic" or "the passionate", depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using it when describing actions that might be seen as overly aggressive. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly zealous

Directly suggests that the zeal is excessive.

extremely enthusiastic

Replaces "zealous" with a more explicit description of enthusiasm, emphasizing the degree.

deeply passionate

Focuses on the depth of feeling rather than outward display of enthusiasm.

intensely fervent

Highlights the intensity and ardor of the feeling.

highly dedicated

Emphasizes commitment and devotion rather than pure enthusiasm.

ardently committed

Combines passion and dedication for a stronger emphasis on commitment.

fervently devoted

Similar to ardently committed, but with a stronger religious or spiritual connotation.

with great enthusiasm

Expresses the idea of zeal using a prepositional phrase.

fanatically enthusiastic

Conveys an extreme level of enthusiasm, potentially bordering on obsession.

excessively eager

Implies that the enthusiasm is beyond what is reasonable or appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "the zealous" in a sentence?

You can use "the zealous" to describe someone who is full of energy and enthusiasm in pursuing something. For example, "The zealous supporters cheered for their team."

What are some alternatives to "the zealous"?

Alternatives include "the enthusiastic", "the passionate", or "the fervent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the zealous" in formal writing?

Yes, "the zealous" is appropriate for formal writing when used to accurately describe someone's strong enthusiasm or dedication. However, consider the specific context and ensure the connotation aligns with your intended message.

What's the difference between "the zealous" and "the fanatical"?

"The zealous" implies strong enthusiasm and dedication, while "the fanatical" suggests an extreme, often irrational, level of enthusiasm that can be seen as obsessive or dangerous. "The fanatical" often carries a negative connotation.