be keen on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be keen on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you have a strong interest in something. For example, "I'm keen on exploring different cultures through reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is said to be keen on newcomer Fionn Whitehead for one of the two leads.

The Guardian - Film

He thought Bruno would be keen on it.

The Guardian - Sport

"I am sure they will be keen on it now".

The Guardian

French officials may be keen on Eurobonds, but dare not speak of them in public.

The Economist

Ms Couric is said to be keen on analysis and serious about world news.

The Economist

"I would not be keen on featuring Tony Blair just yet either.

Independent

member states won't be keen on the fund's underwriting of big euro zone risks.

The New York Times

Tottenham and Arsenal were thought to be keen on Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.

Independent

At 62, however, he is not believed to be keen on returning to club management.

The Guardian - Sport

The producers of these shows may not be keen on a few economists spoiling their party.

The Guardian - Business

Bergkamp himself recently said he would be keen on a return to England.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be keen on" to convey enthusiasm or strong interest, but consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive; vary your language with synonyms.

Common error

Avoid using "be keen on" in contexts that require a more neutral or formal tone. For instance, instead of saying "The company is keen on reducing costs," consider a more appropriate phrase like "The company aims to reduce costs" or "The company is focused on cost reduction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be keen on" functions as a subject complement, describing the subject's disposition towards something. It indicates a state of enthusiasm or strong interest. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be keen on" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey enthusiasm, interest, or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and sports reporting. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it's important to consider the specific tone required for your writing and adjust accordingly. Remember to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases to add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be enthusiastic about

Highlights excitement and positive feelings, very close in meaning to "be keen on".

be interested in

Indicates a general interest, slightly less enthusiastic than "be keen on".

be eager for

Expresses a strong desire and anticipation, more intense than "be keen on".

have a liking for

Expresses a general fondness, less intense than "be keen on".

have a passion for

Implies a deep and enduring enthusiasm, stronger than "be keen on".

have an appetite for

Suggests a strong desire or liking, often used metaphorically, similar to "be keen on".

be partial to

Suggests a preference or liking, milder than "be keen on".

be inclined toward

Indicates a tendency or leaning, less direct than "be keen on".

be favorably disposed to

Indicates a positive attitude or willingness, more formal than "be keen on".

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural attraction or inclination, less forceful than "be keen on".

FAQs

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

You can use "be keen on" to express your interest or enthusiasm for something. For example, "I "am keen on" learning new languages" or "She "is keen on" taking on new challenges at work".

What are some alternatives to "be keen on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be interested in", "be eager for", or "be enthusiastic about".

Is "be keen to" grammatically correct instead of "be keen on"?

While "be keen on" is followed by a noun or gerund (verb + -ing), "be keen to" is followed by the base form of a verb. For example, "I'm keen on hiking" versus "I'm keen to hike". Both are grammatically correct but have slightly different usages.

What is the difference between "be keen on" and "be interested in"?

"Be keen on" generally implies a stronger level of enthusiasm or desire compared to "be interested in". "Interested in" suggests a general curiosity, while "keen on" suggests a proactive and enthusiastic engagement.