anxious to spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious to spread" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or eagerness to share information, ideas, or feelings. Example: "The organization is anxious to spread awareness about climate change and its impact on our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He isn't anxious to spread the word.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Arias says his father, anxious to spread his wings, may begin offering what the younger man calls "more elite plates".

The New York Times

But with the press of consolidations in his industry, it's no wonder that Mr. Surma is anxious to spread the word that "things have really changed in the steel business".

The New York Times

All That Jazz Always anxious to spread the good news about jazz to new generations -- and a booster of the town where she lives -- Marian McPartland, the jazz pianist, makes a habit of playing benefits for Port Washington's Schreiber High School.

The New York Times

Customers are also anxious to spread the word, with about 50percentt sharing their purchases on Twitter and email, according to Gupta.

TechCrunch

But with the press of consolidations in his industry, it's no wonder that Surma is anxious to spread the word that "things have really changed in the steel business".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He was a regular visitor to Moscow and, although he was anxious about Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms, he believed that Communism would be strengthened by them and continue to spread.

Independent

To spread my wings.

The New York Times

Word began to spread.

The New York Times - Sports

To spread to London Bedd bugs.

The New Yorker

Panic began to spread.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anxious to spread", ensure that the subject is genuinely eager and not just obligated or expected to share the information. This emphasizes sincerity and personal investment.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious" to mean simply "eager" in formal contexts. While commonly used informally, some may perceive it as grammatically incorrect to use "anxious" when there is no actual anxiety involved. Opt for alternatives like "eager" or "keen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious to spread" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject by expressing their eagerness or strong desire. It's followed by an infinitive verb, indicating the action they are eager to perform, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxious to spread" is grammatically sound and serves to express a strong eagerness or desire to disseminate something. While sometimes criticized for potential misuse of "anxious", in place of eager, it is generally acceptable in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media sources, it’s crucial to ensure the tone aligns with the intended meaning, choosing synonyms like "eager to" in formal settings to avoid ambiguity. Using "anxious to spread" appropriately enhances the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wanting to disseminate

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing the same sentiment.

eager to disseminate

Emphasizes a formal or official manner of spreading information.

keen to propagate

Suggests an active effort to promote or spread an idea or belief.

motivated to publicize

Indicates a purpose-driven approach to making something known.

desirous of circulating

Highlights the wish to make something known widely.

determined to propagate

Shows a firm resolve to disseminate information or ideas widely.

intent on broadcasting

Focuses on communicating something to a large audience.

inspired to share

Implies a sense of enthusiasm and creativity in spreading information.

longing to impart

Suggests a deep desire to share knowledge or wisdom.

driven to communicate

Highlights a strong inner motivation to share information.

FAQs

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

You can use "anxious to spread" to express a strong desire to share something, for example: "The company is "anxious to spread" its new eco-friendly policies to improve its public image."

What's a more formal alternative to "anxious to spread"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "eager to disseminate" or "keen to propagate". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional style.

Is it incorrect to use "anxious to spread" when there's no real worry involved?

While commonly used to mean "eager", some may find it imprecise. If you want to avoid potential criticism, use "eager to" or "keen to" instead.

What is the difference between "anxious to spread" and "trying to spread"?

"Anxious to spread" implies eagerness and a proactive stance in sharing information, whereas "trying to spread" suggests an attempt, which may or may not be successful, without necessarily implying enthusiasm.