zeal for learning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zeal for learning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong enthusiasm or passion for acquiring knowledge or education. Example: "Her zeal for learning was evident in the way she eagerly participated in every class discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Playing catch-up, they demonstrate a zeal for learning under the guidance of the principal, Karen Tal, that has brought about a soaring success rate by these high schoolers on Israel's matriculation exams.

The New York Times - Arts

In a late-life bid for middle-class stability, he returned to college with renewed zeal for learning, and received a bachelor's degree in history from Lehman College in 2003, then completed most of a master's degree.

The New York Times

Whether she is interviewing Nobel laureates or victims of abuse, getting the country excited about a good book, sharing an experience in O magazine or launching a new satellite radio channel appropriately named Oprah and Friends Oprah Winfrey has demonstrated a zeal for learning, an extraordinary ability to connect with others and a commitment to helping make the world a better place.

Stanford University

I have also met valedictorians whose zeal for learning and unending curiosity is humbling; they are always asking and trying to answer life's big, enduring questions, and then on top of that they do things like write concertos in their spare time.

HuffPost

His favorite question to colleagues, a test of their zeal for learning, is, "When's the last time you did something for the first time?" Leaders who are fit for the future are determined keep learning as fast as the world is changing.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Historian and Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson called him "a zealous minister, of character both for learning and piety" and New Hampshire historian Jeremy Belknap styled him "a gentleman of learning, piety and zeal".

Wikipedia

There were nearly 50 by 1800 (24 founded since 1600); they were usually the product of a prince's need to have trained civil servants rather than of a patron's zeal for higher learning.

Britannica

The eldest of six children, he was a standout student, applying himself with particular zeal to learning English.

The New York Times

Mr. Jiménez, 67, died on Tuesday from prostate cancer, an illness he confronted with his typical zeal; soon after learning he had the disease, he ran for New York State attorney general on the Green Party ticket.

The New York Times

Well, for all that, that good man had so great a zeal for the advancement of learning, that he began it again, and went through with it to that perfection that he hath left it to us, a most useful work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the zeal of a boy learning a new game, Mr. Clinton soon began a headlong rush for the conservation record books, accomplished mostly by executive fiat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zeal for learning" to describe a strong, enthusiastic approach to acquiring knowledge. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of passion and dedication.

Common error

While "zeal for learning" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "love of learning" or "enthusiasm for learning" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zeal for learning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a quality or characteristic related to an individual's approach to education, aligning with Ludwig AI's confirmation of its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zeal for learning" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a strong enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not exceptionally common, it finds its place in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. Its alternatives include "passion for learning" and "enthusiasm for learning". When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure the appropriate level of formality, as it may sound out of place in casual settings. Its consistent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Britannica underscores its validity in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passion for learning

Replaces "zeal" with "passion", emphasizing emotional engagement with learning.

enthusiasm for learning

Substitutes "zeal" with "enthusiasm", indicating a lively interest in learning.

dedication to learning

Focuses on commitment and perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge.

eagerness to learn

Highlights a readiness and willingness to acquire new information.

appetite for knowledge

Uses a metaphor to describe a strong desire for knowledge.

love of learning

Emphasizes affection and enjoyment derived from the learning process.

avid interest in learning

Highlights an intense and keen interest in acquiring knowledge.

burning desire to learn

Uses stronger language to convey an intense wish to learn.

fervor for education

Replaces "learning" with the more formal "education", suggesting structured learning.

insatiable curiosity for learning

Focuses on unending curiosity as the driving force behind the desire to learn.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "zeal for learning" in a sentence?

Use "zeal for learning" to describe someone's passionate and dedicated approach to education or acquiring new skills. For instance, "Her "zeal for learning" was evident in her constant pursuit of new knowledge and her active participation in class discussions."

What are some alternatives to "zeal for learning"?

You can use alternatives like "passion for learning", "enthusiasm for learning", or "dedication to learning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "zeal for learning" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "zeal for learning" is perfectly appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a strong sense of enthusiasm and dedication, making it suitable for academic papers, professional reports, and other formal contexts.

What's the difference between "zeal for learning" and "zest for learning"?

While both phrases convey enthusiasm, "zeal for learning" implies a more fervent and dedicated approach, whereas "zest for learning" suggests a more playful and energetic enjoyment of the learning process.