anxious to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing eagerness or a strong desire to undertake a specific action or task. Example: "She was anxious to do something meaningful with her life after graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"People are anxious to do something and that's all very, very positive," he said.

The New York Times

"It seemed to us they were all very anxious to do something and were looking for a vehicle that could address the issues efficiently," Mr. Kahan said.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Churchill became anxious to do something to help the embattled Soviets who were clamouring for the United States and Britain to invade continental Europe so as to take some of the German pressure off the Eastern Front.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I was always anxious to do something, I always thought – I need to do more," she holds her hands dramatically to her face and throat, her pose recalling ageing diva Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

The Guardian - Film

During recent military exercises in the Russian north Caucasus, Russian officials made it clear that they had had Georgia in mind.On the other hand, Mr Saakashvili and his team are anxious to do something about the enclaves, which are being creepingly incorporated into Russia.

The Economist

"I had enough with coaching because it took up a lot of time and I was anxious to do something else," Beckenhauer said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If you're feeling really anxious, then to do something very bold.

Vice

But there are times when I get anxious and think I have to do something about it, and generally that doesn't work out well.

Los Angeles Times

"It made me feel very anxious as I felt like I had to do something to make sure the girl was safe.

The Guardian - Tech

It's literally trying to push the person to do something other than be anxious.

Vice

"My world had been turned upside down, I was anxious, nervous and afraid but I felt strongly that I wanted to do something to help others and use my experience for something positive," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anxious to do something", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the eagerness. Providing this context enhances clarity and ensures that the reader understands the motivation behind the anxiety.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "anxious to do something" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "eager", "keen", or "motivated" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious to do something" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of eagerness or strong desire. It typically follows a verb like 'be' or 'seem'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxious to do something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey eagerness or a strong desire to perform an action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed correct and appropriate for use in writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various registers. For increased writing variety, consider alternatives like "eager to do something" or "motivated to do something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to take action

Emphasizes a proactive and enthusiastic stance towards initiating activity.

keen on undertaking something

Highlights enthusiasm and interest in starting a specific task or project.

desirous of initiating action

Indicates a strong wish to begin something, often with a formal tone.

feel compelled to act

Suggests a sense of obligation or internal pressure to do something.

have a pressing need to act

Highlights the urgency and importance of taking action.

feel driven to do something

Implies a strong, almost uncontrollable urge to act.

motivated to initiate action

Emphasizes the presence of a motivating factor that encourages activity.

find it necessary to act

Indicates that action is required due to circumstances or a perceived need.

feel obliged to take action

Suggests a sense of duty or responsibility that drives the need for action.

have a strong inclination to act

Indicates a natural tendency or preference towards taking action.

FAQs

What does "anxious to do something" mean?

The phrase "anxious to do something" indicates eagerness or a strong desire to perform a specific action. It implies that someone is looking forward to doing something with a sense of anticipation.

What can I say instead of "anxious to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to do something", "keen to do something", or "motivated to do something" depending on the context.

How do I use "anxious to do something" in a sentence?

You can use "anxious to do something" by placing it after a subject and a verb expressing a state of being. For example, "She was anxious to help" or "They are anxious to begin."

What is the difference between "anxious to do something" and "afraid to do something"?

"Anxious to do something" indicates eagerness and anticipation, whereas "afraid to do something" implies fear or apprehension about performing the action. The former is positive, while the latter is negative.