touching enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touching enthusiasm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of enthusiasm that evokes strong emotions or feelings, often in a positive or heartfelt way. Example: "Her touching enthusiasm for the project inspired everyone on the team to give their best effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was struck by his good spirits and his almost touching enthusiasm for the ideas he was exploring and expounding, such as a belief that the United States should return to the gold standard.

The New Yorker

In Venice his vibrant and irrepressible Provençal wife Jany joins him, and his touching enthusiasm for her, as well as her gift for communication, further energises his journey.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was a generous talker with a salesman's enthusiasm, touching his beard and his smooth, shaved head.

The New Yorker

She hops back and forth with fitness-video enthusiasm, touching outstretched hands and pulling a few of them up to dance alongside her, albeit outside her spotlight.

The Guardian - Music

Ian, talented at whatever he touched, had enthusiasms that fell on him like illnesses.

The New Yorker

Many see a similarity between his populist touch and that of Francis, who wades into crowds and embraces followers with equal enthusiasm.

Los Angeles Times

It is touching to see the enthusiasm of the members.

Forbes

His enthusiasm touched all of us.

The Guardian - Sport

And I do still feel touched by the enthusiasm of the other students.

The New York Times

His passing is a profound loss to all who were touched by his enthusiasm and generosity.

The New York Times

Sir Bobby's widow Lady Elsie said: "I'm so touched by the enthusiasm there is for this event".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touching enthusiasm" when you want to emphasize that someone's enthusiasm is not just energetic, but also genuinely heartwarming or emotionally resonant. It suggests a level of sincerity that evokes a positive emotional response.

Common error

While "touching enthusiasm" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In those settings, consider alternatives like "genuine commitment" or "sincere dedication" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touching enthusiasm" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "touching" modifies the noun "enthusiasm". It indicates a quality of enthusiasm that evokes emotion or a sense of sincerity. Ludwig confirms that it is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touching enthusiasm" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a type of enthusiasm that evokes positive emotions or a sense of sincerity. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its frequency is relatively rare. It's most commonly found in news and media outlets and formal business contexts. When writing, consider if the emotional nuance of "touching" is essential, as synonyms like "heartfelt enthusiasm" or "genuine excitement" may be more appropriate depending on the tone and context. While correct, remember to avoid overuse, especially in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartfelt enthusiasm

Replaces "touching" with "heartfelt", emphasizing sincerity of the enthusiasm.

moving enthusiasm

Substitutes "touching" with "moving", highlighting the emotional impact of the enthusiasm.

genuine excitement

Replaces "enthusiasm" with "excitement", focusing on a feeling of authentic thrill.

sincere passion

Uses "passion" instead of "enthusiasm", underscoring the depth of feeling.

earnest zeal

Replaces both words for a more formal and intense expression of enthusiasm.

affecting zeal

Synonym for heartfelt dedication.

inspiring fervor

Focuses on the inspirational quality of intense enthusiasm.

palpable zeal

Replaces both words highlighting how easily the energy can be sensed.

deep-seated passion

Replaces both words emphasizing how well ingrained the fervor is.

profound excitement

Highlights how well ingrained the emotional energy is.

FAQs

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

You can use "touching enthusiasm" to describe someone's fervor that evokes strong, positive emotions. For instance, "Her "touching enthusiasm" for volunteering inspired others to join."

What are some alternatives to "touching enthusiasm"?

Alternatives include "heartfelt enthusiasm", "moving enthusiasm", or "genuine excitement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "touching enthusiasm" formal or informal?

"Touching enthusiasm" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. It is suitable for general writing and conversation but might need to be replaced with more formal language, such as "sincere dedication", in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "touching enthusiasm" and "great enthusiasm"?

"Great enthusiasm" simply indicates a high degree of excitement or interest. "Touching enthusiasm", on the other hand, suggests that the enthusiasm is particularly moving or heartwarming, evoking a positive emotional response.