anxious to

USAGE SUMMARY

"anxious to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is eager to do something. Example: I was anxious to start the project right away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everyone's anxious to know".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not anxious to rebuild.

The New York Times - Science

Anxious to hear your thoughts.

The New Yorker

I'm just anxious to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Just anxious to matter".

The New York Times

"I'm anxious to see".

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone is anxious to solve this crime.

Independent

"I was that anxious to get started".

The New York Times

He was too anxious to drive.

The New Yorker

"I'm real anxious, to be honest.

The New York Times - Sports

Tourists were also anxious to get out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxious to" when you want to convey a sense of eagerness or anticipation, but be mindful of the context to ensure it doesn't imply undue worry or stress.

Common error

While "anxious to" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "eager to" or "keen to" to maintain a polished style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, followed by an infinitive. It expresses a state of eagerness or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as demonstrated by the numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Sports

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Huffington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anxious to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express eagerness or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While highly common in news and media, it also appears frequently in sports-related content. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended tone, as it can occasionally imply worry. Alternatives like "eager to" may be preferable in more formal settings. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "anxious to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to

Direct synonym, conveying the same sense of enthusiasm and anticipation.

keen to

Similar to "anxious to" but implies a strong interest or enthusiasm.

can't wait to

Expresses impatience and strong desire, more informal than "anxious to".

looking forward to

Indicates anticipation of a future event or action.

excited to

Emphasizes the feeling of excitement in anticipation of something.

desirous of

More formal way of expressing a strong wish or longing.

yearning to

Implies a deep longing or strong desire to do something.

itching to

Suggests restlessness and a strong urge to begin something.

longing to

Similar to "yearning to", but with a slightly softer emotional tone.

striving to

Indicates effort and determination to achieve something, with a sense of anticipation.

FAQs

What does "anxious to" mean?

"Anxious to" means being eager or keen to do something. It expresses a strong desire or anticipation for a particular action or event.

What can I say instead of "anxious to"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to", "keen to", or "looking forward to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "eager to" or "anxious to"?

Both are correct, but "eager to" often conveys a more positive and enthusiastic tone, while "anxious to" can sometimes imply worry or stress, though it's commonly used to mean simply eager.

How can I use "anxious to" in a sentence?

You can use "anxious to" to express your eagerness to perform an action. For example, "I am anxious to see the results of the experiment" or "They were anxious to start the project".