Expressing Enthusiasm or Joy

Sometimes you’d like to express just how much you really, really want to do something. In other words, you’d like to express your enthusiasm. Another way to put this is to say that you’re pumped and you want tell to tell the world just how stoked you are about something. Use these phrases to express enthusiasm for something you are doing, or to support someone else. 

to be pumped = to be very excited and physically ready to do something

I'm pumped to welcome Mario Stranger to the stage!
Are you pumped for vacation next month?

to be stoked = to be very enthused about something

She's stoked about her trip to Tahiti next week.
No, I'm not stoked about the test. I hate tests!

Expressing Enthusiasm for Something You are Doing

These expressions are used to express something about your own projects. You can also use these forms to state that someone else is excited about his / her own project. Below you will find expressions to use when supporting or showing your enthusiasm for someone else. 

Subject + be + (really, very, quite) excited + about something

Use this form for a special event or opportunity:

I’m very excited about working with Tom on the new project.
I’m quite excited about my new car!

Subject + be + (really) looking forward to something

Use this form when you are anticipating a meeting or other event in the future. This expression is common in business settings:

I’m really looking forward to opening the new store next week.
She’s looking forward to taking some time off work.

Subject + cherish 

Use cherish on special occasions as this form is quite strong:

I cherish the time I spend with you.
Jack cherishes every opportunity to speak to a client.

Expressing Enthusiasm with Adjectives

Here is a text full of adjectives that express your enthusiasm for a person, place or thing: 

It's amazing that you've come to this site to study English. Just the fact that you found this site shows awesome dedication to learning English. I think you're an incredible student!

The adjectives amazing, awesome, fantastic, incredible and unbelievable are known as extreme adjectives and express your enthusiasm. Used at the right moment, these adjectives add special emphasis and are used to show enthusiasm and joy. Be careful not to use these too often as they lose their impact when overused. Here are a few examples of appropriate moments to use these adjectives:

Wow, that’s amazing! I’ve never seen a sunset like that before!
Look at that mountain. It’s awesome!

I Can’t Believe It!

The phrase I can’t believe is often used to express something that surprises you in a good way:

I can’t believe how much fun that ride was!
I can’t believe how much I love you!

Expressing Enthusiasm for Someone Else

Here are a number of phrases used to express enthusiasm when we hear someone's good news.

Subject + be + (so, really, very) happy / excited / delighted + for you / them / him / her

Use these adverbs and adjectives in combination to express happiness for someone:

I’m really delighted for you. Good luck!
She’s so excited for her husband.

Congratulations! / Congratulations on the / your ...

You can express enthusiasm for special achievements by beginning with congratulations:

Congratulations on your new house!
Congratulations! You must be a proud father!

Subject + must + be + (so, really, very) happy / excited / delighted

Use the modal verb of probability must to express your belief that what you say about someone else is true:

You must be so excited!
She must have been thrilled!

That’s great / fantastic / wonderful!

When someone shares their enthusiasm they expect you to react to their good news. Here are some phrases to help you spread the joy:

Your wife is pregnant. That’s fantastic!
That’s great! You should be proud of yourself.

I’m (so, very, really) happy for you.

Use this phrase to express that you truly wish someone the best:

I’m really happy for you. I’m sure you’ll be great at your new job.
I’m so happy for you and your husband. Would you like a boy or a girl?

You deserve it!

Use this phrase to express joy when someone has worked hard for an achievement. You deserve it is also used to say that someone deserves a special gift or consideration.

I heard about your new job. Congratulations! You deserve it.
Let's go out to dinner. You deserve it.

At Work

Here is a dialog that might take place at work. Two colleagues are speaking, so they feel comfortable sharing their joy. Notice how each expression of enthusiasm is used. Practice this dialog with a friend or classmate. You can raise your voice to show your enthusiasm. 

Colleague 1: Hi Tom. Do you have a moment?
Colleague 2: Sure, what’s up?

Colleague 1: I’m really stoked about the new project.
Colleague 2: Why’s that?

Colleague 1: I’m really excited about the opportunity. If things go well with this, who knows what will happen!
Colleague 2: I’m really happy for you. I’m sure you’ll do a great job!

Colleague 1: Thanks. I hope so.
Colleague 2: Of course, you must be very proud of yourself.

Colleague 1: Yes, to tell you the truth, this is something I’ve wanted for a while.
Colleague 2: Well, you deserve it!

Colleague 1: Thanks. I appreciate it.
Colleague 2: My pleasure.

Between Friends

It's always great to share your enthusiasm with those close to you. Here's a dialog to share with your friends:

George: Doug, Doug!! Annie’s pregnant!
Doug: That’s fantastic! Congratulations!

George: Thanks. I can’t believe we’re going to have another baby!!
Doug: Do you know the sex?

George: No, we want it to be a surprise.
Doug: Really, I’d want to know so I could buy all the right stuff.

George: You have a point. Maybe we should find out.
Doug: In any case, I’m really, really happy for your two.

George: Thanks. I just had to share the good news.
Doug: Let’s go get a beer to celebrate!

George: That’s a good idea!
Doug: My treat.

Expressing enthusiasm is just one of many language functions. This is the opposite of expressing sadness and calls for very positive words. Learning language functions can help you learn specific vocabulary for specific situations.