zealous for

USAGE SUMMARY

"zealous for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and eager for something. For example, "She was zealous for learning new skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"He was zealous for the land.

The New York Times

Teachers like that were zealous for the humanities.

The New York Times

You would be proud of it, he writes, and "likely to be zealous for its preservation".

The New York Times - Books

They were also zealous for, and strict in their observance of, the Torah.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Zealous for the advancement of music, he admired Italian music and had a predilection for rich and varied settings for voices and instruments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the basic premise that Jesus was zealous for the political future of Israel as the kingdom of God on earth is neither new nor controversial.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

However, despite my love for science, I am a zealous advocate for the place of arts and humanities in education.

Huffington Post

I was especially intrigued because, when I travel around the country speaking about my book Kingdom Coming, some of my most impassioned challengers have been Jews who are grateful for the Christian right's zealous support for Israel.

Huffington Post

Judge Robert D. Sack, who wrote the 125-page appellate ruling, said that the panel had rejected Ms. Stewart's claim that she was acting only as a "zealous advocate" for her imprisoned client, Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, when she passed messages for him.

The New York Times

He fared less well in the following century: his book, banned in France by a zealous church for whom doubt was now devilish, became a primary inspiration for English writers as diverse as Laurence Sterne, Isaac Walton, Alexander Pope and William Hazlitt.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Lappin had been the guiding force behind Community Preservation for more than 30 years, and was known as a zealous advocate for affordable housing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zealous for" to convey a strong sense of enthusiasm and dedication. Ensure the object of the preposition ('for') aligns with the intensity of the adjective.

Common error

Avoid using "zealous for" in contexts that require a more moderate expression of enthusiasm. "Enthusiastic about" might be more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zealous for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a strong enthusiasm or passion towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, exemplified by sentences where individuals are "zealous for the land" or "zealous for the advancement of music."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zealous for" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that expresses strong enthusiasm or dedication. Ludwig AI validates this, and the examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic texts. While "zealous for" isn't extremely common, it effectively conveys a high degree of passion. Alternatives such as "passionate about" or "enthusiastic about" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, consider the level of intensity you want to convey to ensure it matches the context appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passionate about

Focuses on deep emotional commitment, a slight shift from pure enthusiasm.

enthusiastic about

Highlights excitement and positive regard, less intense than "zealous".

devoted to

Emphasizes loyalty and dedication, implying a strong commitment.

ardent about

Suggests a burning passion or intense enthusiasm.

fervent in

Implies a warm and earnest intensity of feeling.

keen on

Indicates a strong interest or enthusiasm.

dedicated to

Highlights commitment and focused effort.

gung-ho about

Informal term for being extremely enthusiastic, sometimes excessively so.

wild about

Suggests a strong and unrestrained enthusiasm.

fanatical about

Implies an extreme and often unreasonable enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "zealous for" to describe someone who is very enthusiastic or passionate about something. For example, "He was "zealous for the land"" or "She is "zealous for the cause"".

What words have a similar meaning to "zealous for"?

Alternatives to "zealous for" include "passionate about", "enthusiastic about", and "devoted to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "zealous for" formal or informal?

"Zealous for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally perceived as slightly more formal than alternatives like "really into" or "crazy about".

Can "zealous for" be used in a negative way?

While primarily positive, "zealous for" can sometimes imply excessive enthusiasm, bordering on fanaticism. Choose your words carefully to ensure your intended meaning is clear.