are keen on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are keen on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. Example: "They are keen on learning new languages and exploring different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And talking about politics may well not be one of the things people are keen on.

WikiHow

PHYSICISTS are keen on symmetry.

The Economist

Liberal Democrats are keen on this reform.

The Economist

Some politicians are keen on the idea.

The Economist

Republicans are keen on such schemes in principle.

The Economist

Both are keen on a free-trade agreement with America.

The Economist

The rebels, unsurprisingly, are keen on the idea.

The Economist

Not all public bodies are keen on transparency.

The Economist

Regulators globally are keen on banks having more equity.

The Economist

Like Dickens, both are keen on excess detail.

The Guardian - Books

(Not all of them are keen on accountability).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are keen on", ensure that the context aligns with the level of enthusiasm you want to express. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "have a strong interest in".

Common error

While "are keen on" is acceptable in many situations, it might sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "have a strong interest in" or "are highly interested in" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are keen on" functions as an adjective phrase, indicating a strong interest or enthusiasm towards something. Ludwig examples show that it is often used to describe people's preferences, desires, or inclinations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are keen on" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to express strong interest or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI indicates that it appears frequently in various contexts, most notably in news and media sources. While it is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of the formality of the context and consider alternatives like "have a strong interest in" for more professional or academic settings. The phrase conveys a stronger sense of enthusiasm than simply being "interested in" something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are enthusiastic about

Focuses on excitement and positive feeling.

are passionate about

Indicates a deep emotional commitment and fervor.

are very interested in

A more general expression of interest.

have a strong interest in

Highlights the intensity of the interest.

are eager for

Implies anticipation and impatience.

are fond of

Suggests affection or liking.

are inclined towards

Indicates a leaning or preference.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural attraction or tendency.

relish the idea of

Emphasizes enjoyment and anticipation.

are partial to

Signifies a specific liking or preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "are keen on" to express enthusiasm or strong interest in something. For example, "They "are keen on" exploring new technologies".

What's the difference between "are keen on" and "are interested in"?

"Are keen on" implies a greater level of enthusiasm and eagerness compared to "are interested in". While both express interest, "are keen on" suggests a more proactive and excited approach. You can use alternatives like "are enthusiastic about", which is very close in meaning.

Is "are keen on" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "are keen on" may sound informal in very formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "have a strong interest in" or "are highly interested in" for a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "are keen on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are enthusiastic about", "are passionate about", or "are very interested in" to convey a similar meaning.