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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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be more keen

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"be more keen" is not a correct or usable part of a sentence in written English.
To use "keen" in a sentence, you should phrase it as "be more eager" or "be keener." For example, "She was eager to try new things, and was even keener when offered the opportunity."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

For Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, the anticipation may be more keen than usual.

News & Media

The New York Times

The older people seem to be more keen to vote for the future of the country".

News & Media

The Guardian

After all, I arrogantly assumed, shouldn't they be more keen to talk to me, now that I've graduated from dating?

News & Media

The Guardian

First, the consumer appears to be more keen on traditional approaches to trusted journalism than many commentators.

News & Media

The Guardian

As many have observed, he often seems to be more keen on his side-projects – the darkwave electro of Crosses and post-rock of his Death Grips collaboration Team Sleep – than on his main band.

But they will likely be more keen on protecting the inventions of their own companies and universities.

News & Media

Forbes
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Who was more keen?

Some disciplines are more keen than others.

Science & Research

Nature

This time, Khan is more keen.

News & Media

The Guardian

I'm more keen to do something personal….

News & Media

The New Yorker

And they're more keen on print than ever before.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a greater degree of interest or enthusiasm, use the grammatically correct comparative form "keener" or alternative phrases such as "more eager" or "more enthusiastic".

Common error

Avoid using "more keen"; instead, opt for "keener" or rephrase using alternatives like "more eager" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more keen" functions as a comparative expression, aiming to convey a higher degree of interest or eagerness. Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting that it should be rephrased for correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be more keen" appears in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies it as such, recommending alternatives like "keener" or rephrasing for better grammar. Its purpose is to express a greater level of enthusiasm or interest. Although the phrase appears mostly in News & Media contexts, using grammatically correct alternatives enhances clarity and professionalism. Therefore, while the intent is clear, prioritizing correct grammar is crucial for effective communication. Consider more appropriate phrases such as "be more eager" or "be keener" depending on context.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "keen" in the comparative form?

The correct comparative form of "keen" is "keener". Avoid using "more keen", as it is grammatically incorrect. For example, instead of "He is more keen on the idea", say "He is "keener" on the idea".

What can I say instead of "be more keen"?

You can use alternatives like "be more eager", "be more enthusiastic", or "be more willing" depending on the context.

Is "more keen" grammatically correct?

No, "more keen" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct comparative form is "keener". While it might appear in some informal contexts, it's best to use "keener" or an alternative phrase in formal writing.

What's the difference between "be more keen" and "be keener"?

"Be more keen" is considered grammatically incorrect. "Be keener" is the correct comparative form of the adjective "keen", indicating a greater degree of enthusiasm or interest.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: