Keen

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "keen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "eager" or "enthusiastic". You can use it when referring to someone's excitement or interest in something. Example: My sister is so keen to try her new skis on the alpine slope.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was keen.

The Guardian

Chief executives of companies such as Burberry, Tesco, Vodafone, BAE Systems, Prudential and GSK were keen to take a final opportunity to lobby the prime minister in advance of the meeting of political leaders in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian - Tech

John, London at Dawn Anthony is a fantastic teacher, not just for his technical skill and keen eye but also his enthusiasm and passion for photography which is highly infectious!

The Guardian

Breen, currently writing his personal story of life as a policeman during the conflict, said: "I had approached numerous RUC officers who were keen to leave a living record of what went on in their fight against terrorism over the years.

The Guardian

By the time the war started, though, he was a country landowner, aged 48: despite his age, he was keen to be involved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Visas can be arranged through Footloose Sea kayaking was invented in Greenland by Inuit hunters as a means of pursuing seals and whales, but today it is growing in popularity among holidaymakers keen to get up close to the majestic icebergs around the coast.

The Guardian - Travel

You can batch cook meals for up to a month if you're really keen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is easy to see now why Norwich were so keen to headhunt the man who regularly scalped Scotland's top sides after guiding Hamilton to the top-flight last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Pollsters say the young are particularly keen to keep it that way.

The Guardian

Erin Klein, who tracks US radio stations for the Broadcasting Board of Governors, was relieved to be returning to the office and keen to check on the status of the database she manages.

The Guardian

Despite relegation, the West Sussex club were keen for Saunders to remain as manager and talks were planned with the Crawley chief executive, Michael Dunford, for later this week.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Keen" to describe someone's interest, follow it with a preposition like "on", "to", "about", or "for", depending on the context. For instance, "keen on learning", "keen to participate", "keen about the project", or "keen for assistance".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "Keen". While "keen on", "keen to", "keen about", and "keen for" are all valid, other prepositions may not fit the intended meaning. Ensure the preposition aligns with the grammatical structure and conveys the desired relationship between "Keen" and the object of interest.

Linguistic Context

The word "Keen" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of eagerness, enthusiasm, or sharpness. It modifies nouns to indicate a strong interest or a high degree of acuity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sport

18%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Keen" is a versatile adjective used to convey enthusiasm, interest, or sharpness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its usage is generally neutral. To ensure effective communication, pay attention to the preposition used with "keen" and avoid substituting it with words that dramatically alter the meaning. "Keen" is not rare, according to Ludwig, but is used in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eager

Focuses on enthusiasm and anticipation.

Enthusiastic

Highlights excitement and zeal.

Interested

Emphasizes attention and curiosity.

Sharp

Refers to mental acuity or a physical edge.

Avid

Implies a strong desire or enthusiasm.

Passionate

Conveys intense feeling or strong emotion.

Zealous

Highlights fervent enthusiasm.

Intent

Emphasizes purposefulness and determination.

Fierce

Implies intensity or vehemence.

Ardent

Stresses warm or intense feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "Keen" in a sentence?

"Keen" can be used to describe someone's enthusiasm or willingness. For example, "She is "keen on joining" the team" or "He is "keen to learn" new skills".

What's the difference between "Keen" and "eager"?

While both words express enthusiasm, "keen" often implies a focused interest or sharp intellect, whereas "eager" emphasizes anticipation and impatience. They are similar but not always interchangeable.

Which preposition should I use with "Keen"?

The correct preposition depends on the context. Use "keen on" for general interest, "keen to" for wanting to do something, "keen about" for excitement, and "keen for" when seeking something like help or support.

What are some alternatives to saying "I'm keen on"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm interested in", "I'm enthusiastic about", or "I can't wait to" depending on the context.