are eager for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are eager for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or enthusiasm for something that is expected or anticipated. Example: "The students are eager for the summer break to begin so they can enjoy their vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are eager for answers.

The New York Times - Sports

The Socialists are eager for power.

The New York Times

They are eager for work.

University of California, Berkeley

Investors are eager for engagement.

Harvard University

Northern Ireland's people are eager for peace.

The New York Times

But some people are eager for the challenge.

The New York Times

Polls suggest that voters are eager for change.

The Economist

The major powers are eager for more concrete action.

The New York Times

But relative newcomers to the scene are eager for change.

The New York Times

Mr. Koutoulas and other customers are eager for a reckoning.

The New York Times

Conservatives are eager for a sweeping ruling accomplishing just that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are eager for" when you want to express a strong sense of anticipation and enthusiasm for something that is expected or desired. Ensure the context is appropriate for conveying genuine excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious for" when you mean "eager for". "Anxious" implies worry or unease, while "eager" suggests positive anticipation. For example, say "They are eager for the results", not "They are anxious for the results" if you want to express positive anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are eager for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of anticipation or strong desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and conveys a positive and enthusiastic expectation for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are eager for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey strong anticipation and enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples demonstrate its broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a positive anticipation, avoiding confusion with words like "anxious" that imply worry. For alternatives, consider "are looking forward to", "are excited about", or "are keen on", as these offer similar nuances of enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are looking forward to

Focuses on anticipating a future event with pleasure.

are enthusiastic about

Highlights a strong positive feeling or excitement regarding something.

are excited about

Indicates a state of exhilaration or eagerness about something.

are keen on

Emphasizes enthusiasm or interest, often implying a slightly more casual tone.

are anxious for

Conveys a sense of worry or nervousness alongside eagerness.

are impatient for

Implies a restless desire or frustration due to waiting.

are longing for

Suggests a deep and heartfelt desire for something.

are craving

Implies a strong and urgent desire, often for something specific.

are thirsting for

Evokes a strong, almost desperate, desire for something.

are yearning for

Indicates a tender or melancholic longing for something.

FAQs

How can I use "are eager for" in a sentence?

Use "are eager for" to express strong anticipation or enthusiasm. For example: "The students are eager for the school year to end".

What can I say instead of "are eager for"?

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

Is it correct to say "are anxious for" instead of "are eager for"?

While both express anticipation, "anxious" implies worry, unlike the positive anticipation of "eager". Use "are eager for" for positive excitement.

What's the difference between "are eager for" and "are desperate for"?

"Are eager for" suggests strong anticipation and positive excitement, while "are desperate for" implies a more urgent need and possibly negative circumstances.