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Prepositions before nouns

“Of enthusiasm” or “with enthusiasm”?

“With enthusiasm” is the normal way to describe how someone does something. “Of enthusiasm” appears in expressions about amount or quality.

Quick answer

Which phrase is more natural?

Use “with enthusiasm” to describe energetic action or attitude. Use “of enthusiasm” mainly in phrases such as “full of enthusiasm” or “a lack of enthusiasm.”

She accepted the offer with enthusiasm.
The children responded with enthusiasm to the game.
His speech was full of enthusiasm.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
with enthusiasm

Describing manner or attitude

Use this phrase to show that someone acts eagerly or energetically.

The team worked with enthusiasm throughout the project.
She greeted the idea with enthusiasm.
2
full of enthusiasm

Expressing strong excitement

This common pattern describes people or reactions that show excitement.

The new volunteers were full of enthusiasm.
He spoke in a voice full of enthusiasm.
3
lack of enthusiasm

Talking about weak interest

Use this phrase to describe little interest or energy.

Managers noticed a lack of enthusiasm among staff.
Her lack of enthusiasm worried the coach.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
with enthusiasm
They sang with enthusiasm.
describes the manner of an action
of enthusiasm
The room was full of enthusiasm.
part of a quantity or descriptive phrase
enthusiasm for
Her enthusiasm for science is obvious.
shows the object of interest
enthusiasm about
He expressed enthusiasm about the proposal.
shows the topic causing excitement

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of enthusiasm” alone after a verb

“Of enthusiasm” usually needs another word such as “full” or “lack.”

✕ She spoke of enthusiasm. ✓ She spoke with enthusiasm.

Confusing manner and topic

Use “with enthusiasm” for manner and “enthusiasm for/about” for the topic.

✕ He listened of enthusiasm. ✓ He listened with enthusiasm.

Missing the object after “enthusiasm for”

Add the thing that causes excitement.

✕ Her enthusiasm was obvious. ✓ Her enthusiasm for music was obvious.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The students participated ___ enthusiasm.
2. The audience was full ___ enthusiasm.
3. Her enthusiasm ___ teaching impressed everyone.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “with enthusiasm” always adverbial?

Yes. It usually describes the manner of an action.

Can “of enthusiasm” stand alone?

Usually no. It normally appears inside a larger phrase such as “full of enthusiasm.”

Should I use “enthusiasm for” or “enthusiasm about”?

Both are correct. “For” often refers to long-term interest, while “about” often refers to a specific topic or event.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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