anxious to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing eagerness or excitement to begin a task or activity. Example: "After weeks of preparation, I am anxious to start the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mr. Morvillo said he and his colleagues were anxious to start exploring these issues next week.

The New York Times

I was just a little anxious to start the game and get it going".

The New York Times - Sports

Many retailers, anxious to start their Web sales rolling, are willing to play by those rules.

The New York Times

"We are anxious to start regulating, as we were two years ago," he added.

The New York Times

Even as the work to clear the disaster site progresses, those anxious to start rebuilding are making their first moves.

The New York Times

It would also be a blow to Greenberg's group, which is anxious to start new marketing campaigns and make upgrades to Rangers Ballpark.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"I was that anxious to get started".

The New York Times

"I'm anxious to get started".

The New York Times

He is anxious to get started here now".

The New York Times - Sports

He was anxious to get started as he strode into the A.C.L.U.

The New York Times

"Couldn't be more excited and anxious to get started with (hashtag) coachbobcantu," tweeted senior center James Blaszyk.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required for your writing. While "anxious to start" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "eager to commence" or "keen to initiate".

Common error

Avoid using "anxious to start" when you intend to convey worry or concern about beginning something. "Anxious" can sometimes imply apprehension, so choose a different phrase if that's your intended meaning. For example, instead of "anxious to start the project because of the tight deadline", use "concerned about starting the project because of the tight deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious to start" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a subject to express their eagerness or anticipation. This construction is commonly used to indicate a strong desire to begin an action, as evidenced by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anxious to start" is a common and grammatically correct way to express eagerness or anticipation to begin something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, with its primary function being to convey enthusiasm. While "anxious" can sometimes imply worry, in this construction, it generally signifies a strong desire to commence. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of eagerness, and consider the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to begin

This alternative uses 'eager' instead of 'anxious', conveying a similar sense of enthusiasm.

keen to commence

Replaces 'anxious' with 'keen' and 'start' with 'commence', indicating a strong desire to begin.

excited to initiate

Substitutes 'anxious' with 'excited' and 'start' with 'initiate', emphasizing enthusiasm.

enthusiastic about beginning

Rephrases the expression to use 'enthusiastic about', changing the structure slightly.

impatient to get underway

Conveys a sense of restlessness and eagerness to begin, differing slightly in tone.

looking forward to starting

Expresses anticipation and positive expectation for the start of something.

can't wait to begin

An informal expression of excitement and impatience to start.

itching to commence

Uses the idiom 'itching to' to express a strong desire to start.

longing to initiate

Emphasizes a deep desire to start, using 'longing' to convey the feeling.

yearning to get going

Expresses a strong desire and eagerness to start, using 'yearning'.

FAQs

What does "anxious to start" mean?

The phrase "anxious to start" typically means being eager or very enthusiastic to begin something. While "anxious" can sometimes mean worried, in this context it expresses a strong desire to commence an activity or task.

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

You can use "anxious to start" to show your eagerness for something. For example: "We are "anxious to start" the project as soon as possible" or "She was "anxious to start" her new job".

What can I say instead of "anxious to start"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to begin", "keen to commence", or "excited to initiate" depending on the context.

Is "anxious to start" formal or informal?

"Anxious to start" is generally considered neutral and can be used in many contexts. However, for more formal situations, consider using phrases like "keen to commence" or "eager to begin".