are keen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are keen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express enthusiasm or eagerness about something. Example: "The students are keen to learn more about the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peterborough United are keen to sign Livingston midfielder Stefan Scougall.

BBC

Others, too, are keen.

The Economist

Some governors are keen.

The Economist

British consumers are keen.

The Economist

American hunters are keen, too.

The Economist

Not only Israelis are keen.

The Economist

PHYSICISTS are keen on symmetry.

The Economist

Banks are keen to lend.

The Economist

They are keen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Middlesbrough are keen.

The Guardian - Sport

Many are keen to move into Europe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are keen" to express enthusiasm or strong interest in a relatively informal context. In more formal writing, consider alternatives like "are eager" or "are enthusiastic".

Common error

While "are keen" is perfectly acceptable, relying on it too heavily in formal documents can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "are disposed", "are inclined" or "are desirous" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are keen" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses enthusiasm or eagerness. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as expressing interest in signing a player or supporting research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Forbes

1%

Huffington Post

1%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are keen" is a common and grammatically correct way to express enthusiasm or strong interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the audience and context when choosing between "are keen" and more formal alternatives like "are eager" or "are enthusiastic". Remember to avoid overusing "are keen" in formal documents to maintain a professional tone. "Are keen" functions as a predicate adjective, conveying a positive attitude towards something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are eager

Focuses more on anticipation and excitement for something.

are enthusiastic

Emphasizes a lively and passionate interest.

are interested

A more general expression of having concern or curiosity.

are willing

Highlights readiness and consent to do something.

are passionate

Highlights a deep and intense emotional investment.

are inclined

Suggests a tendency or preference towards something.

are disposed

Implies a readiness or willingness influenced by one's nature or circumstances.

are avid

Implies a strong and passionate interest, often in hobbies or activities.

are anxious

While it can mean eagerness, it often carries a connotation of worry or nervousness.

are desirous

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a strong wish or longing.

FAQs

How can I use "are keen" in a sentence?

You can use "are keen" to express enthusiasm or strong interest, like "The students "are keen" to learn more about the topic" or "The company "are keen" to expand into new markets".

What can I say instead of "are keen"?

You can use alternatives like "are eager", "are enthusiastic", or "are interested" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are keen on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are keen on" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in British English. It's used to express enthusiasm or interest in a particular activity or subject, as in "They "are keen" on playing football".

What's the difference between "are keen" and "are eager"?

While both express enthusiasm, "are eager" often implies a stronger sense of anticipation and excitement, while "are keen" can be a more general expression of interest. Using are eager could imply they can't wait, while "are keen" simply expresses that they're looking forward to it.