be eager for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be eager for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong desire or enthusiasm for something that is expected to happen in the future. Example: "I am eager for the new movie to be released next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Could he possibly be eager for another war?

The New York Times

However, ordinary Afghans appear to be eager for action.

The Economist

Anyone who relished Hoare's prize-winning Leviathan will be eager for a second helping.

Independent

"I would be eager for the new process to be people-led, not politician-led.

The Guardian

She, too, must be eager for a second child and not feel pressured into having it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, she added, she understood why its executives might be eager for growth.

The New York Times

The Arab leaders, regarded as moderate, were said to be eager for a meeting.

The New York Times

A bachelor for many years, he now says he would be eager for the "challenge" of a wife and family.

The New York Times

The millions of kids who have read the book may not be eager for a flimsy phantasmagoria.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We are eager for answers.

The New York Times - Sports

Awil is eager for action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be eager for" to express genuine enthusiasm or anticipation, particularly when referring to future events or opportunities. For example, "The team is eager for the upcoming challenge."

Common error

Avoid using "eager" when you actually mean "anxious" in situations involving worry or concern. "Eager" implies positive anticipation, whereas "anxious" implies apprehension. For example, instead of saying "I'm eager for the test results" when you're worried, say "I'm anxious about the test results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be eager for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a subject to express a state of anticipation, enthusiasm, or strong desire toward a particular event or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be eager for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey anticipation and enthusiasm. As shown by Ludwig, its versatility extends across a variety of contexts, from news reporting to business communications and even academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure its use aligns with the intended tone and audience. Pay attention to the distinction between "eager" and "anxious" to avoid miscommunication. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, so you can confidently use it to express your excitement for upcoming events or opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be excited about

Focuses on the emotional state of excitement; slightly less formal than "be eager for".

look forward to

A common and versatile phrase expressing positive expectation; more general and less intense than "be eager for".

can't wait for

Expresses impatience and excitement; conveys a stronger sense of urgency than "be eager for".

anticipate something eagerly

Emphasizes the act of looking forward to something with great enthusiasm; 'anticipate' is more formal than 'be eager'.

be keen on

Indicates a strong interest or enthusiasm; more common in British English.

be anxious to

Expresses a keenness to do something, often with a hint of worry or nervousness alongside the excitement.

be dying for

An informal expression of extreme desire or impatience.

yearn for

Suggests a deep longing or desire; more intense and emotional than "be eager for".

crave something

Implies a strong desire or need; can sometimes suggest a physical or psychological dependence, unlike "be eager for".

itch for

Informal way of saying one is restless and impatient for something to happen.

FAQs

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

"Be eager for" is used to express a strong desire or anticipation for something. For example, "The students "are eager for" the summer vacation" or "The company "is eager for" the new product launch".

What's the difference between "be eager for" and "look forward to"?

While both express anticipation, "be eager for" suggests a stronger sense of excitement or impatience, whereas "look forward to" is more general and polite. You might "be eager for" a vacation, but simply "look forward to" a routine meeting.

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

You can use alternatives like ""look forward to"", "can't wait for", or "be excited about" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "be eager for" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "be eager for" in formal writing when you want to convey genuine enthusiasm or anticipation in a professional context. However, ensure the tone is suitable for the audience and purpose; consider alternatives if a more subdued expression is needed.