zealous for the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zealous for the" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express strong enthusiasm or passion for a particular cause, belief, or activity. Example: "She was zealous for the preservation of the environment." Alternative expressions include "passionate about" and "fervent in support of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

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

I'm sure it is and trust that other souls, equally zealous for the public good, will make a similarly selective analysis of Dave 'n' George's pledges.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Rick is a zealous advocate for the 800-word column," says John Walsh, ESPN's executive editor.

The New York Times - Sports

Born in Brooklyn New York, Mr. Waldman was a committed and zealous advocate for the rights of workers.

The New York Times

Some protesters are blaming overly zealous authorities for the low turnout.

The New York Times

"No one really asks Eric Holder if he can be a good, zealous advocate for the people of the United States," Mr. Loucks said.

The New York Times

Zealous enthusiasm for the politically charged and frequently arcane theories that energized departments in the 1970s, '80s and early '90s — Marxism, structuralism, psychoanalysis — has faded.

The New York Times - Books

His zealous concern for the well-being of the N.B.A. is admirable, but the excessive player punishments imposed reflect misdirected outrage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with abstract nouns representing ideals, such as 'public good', 'truth', or 'justice', to maximize its rhetorical impact.

Common error

Do not confuse this phrase with its phonetic neighbor 'jealous of'. While 'jealous' implies envy, "zealous for the" indicates a positive (though intense) drive toward an achievement or ideal. Using it for minor hobbies can sound unintentionally sarcastic or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

This is an adjective phrase where the head adjective 'zealous' is modified by a prepositional phrase starting with 'for'. In the sentences provided by Ludwig, it primarily functions as a predicative adjective following a linking verb like 'be' or 'become', characterizing the subject's intense state of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "zealous for the" stands as a powerful linguistic tool for describing high-stakes commitment and intense fervor. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is a highly reliable and grammatically sound construction used by the world's most prestigious publications to discuss political, social, and cultural movements. While it can often be replaced by "passionate about", the use of "zealous for the" conveys a specific, almost religious intensity that other alternatives lack. Writers should use it to signal serious, focused advocacy, particularly within journalistic or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passionate about the

Standard modern alternative with a broader, less religious connotation.

fervent for the

Maintains the high intensity and formal tone of the original phrase.

devoted to the

Emphasizes long-term commitment and loyalty rather than just intensity.

ardent for the

A more literary or poetic way to express burning enthusiasm.

enthusiastic for the

Less intense and more common in everyday, positive scenarios.

dedicated to the

Focuses on the effort and work put into a specific cause.

resolute in the

Highlights determination and firmness of purpose.

eager for the

Focuses on anticipation and readiness rather than deep-seated passion.

fanatical about the

Suggests an extreme or obsessive level of zeal, often with a negative nuance.

keen on the

Much more informal and used primarily in British English for general interest.

FAQs

How do you use "zealous for the" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe deep commitment, for example: "He was "zealous for the" preservation of ancient languages."

What can I say instead of "zealous for the"?

Depending on the tone you want, you can use "passionate about", "fervent for", or "dedicated to".

Is "zealous for the" formal?

Yes, it is considered quite formal. It frequently appears in literature, academic discourse, and high-level journalism like "The New York Times".

What is the difference between "zealous for the" and "zealous of the"?

In modern English, "zealous for" is the standard way to express being eager for a cause. "Zealous of" is largely archaic and was historically used more similarly to "jealous of" in contexts of guarding one's reputation or rights.