became eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became eager" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in someone's feelings or attitude, indicating that they have developed a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. Example: "After hearing about the new project, she became eager to contribute her ideas and skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

For as long as the Romans had an abundance of food they did not venture to contend against a superior force, and were hoping to get possession of the city by famine; but when they began to encounter a shortage of grain, they became eager to run risks, while Hanno now showed hesitation, since their eagerness led him to suspect that he might be ambushed.

University of Chicago

People in the townships became eager for political news.

Independent

He became eager to begin exploring after reading Hiram Bingham's Lost City of the Incas (1952).

Britannica

About a year and a half ago, with interest rates low, the couple became eager to buy.

The New York Times

Two weeks after the cast came off, she reacquainted herself with her tennis racquet and became eager to compete again.

The New York Times - Sports

"Having shown the dawn of reason," Brecht explained in a 1953 notebook, "I became eager to depict its twilight".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I become eager -- and eagerness in me must always seek relief in work.

The New York Times - Books

And all the children become eager extras.

The New York Times

Later on, they become eager to boast of their experience.

The New Yorker

Jeter said he naturally becomes eager as spring training approaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Before I knew it, the platoon had become eager to fight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "became eager" with an infinitive verb phrase (e.g., "became eager to learn", "became eager to help") to express the specific action or goal the subject is now enthusiastic about.

Common error

While "became eager" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Instead, consider alternatives like "evinced a strong interest" or "demonstrated enthusiasm" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became eager" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a transformation into a state of enthusiasm or strong desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a change in their feelings or intentions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became eager" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a shift towards enthusiasm or a strong desire for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure that the cause of the eagerness is clear, and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "grew keen" or "became enthusiastic" for subtle variations in meaning. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight the phrase's adaptability and communicative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became enthusiastic

A more formal alternative, highlighting a transformation into enthusiasm.

grew keen

Focuses on the development of enthusiasm or interest.

turned enthusiastic

Highlights the transformation into an enthusiastic state.

developed a passion

Emphasizes a deeper, more intense interest.

showed an appetite

Indicates a strong inclination or desire.

got excited

Implies a feeling of anticipation and enthusiasm.

embraced the idea

Highlights the acceptance and enthusiasm for a particular concept.

started longing

Suggests a strong desire or yearning.

felt compelled

Indicates a sense of being driven or obliged to do something.

displayed interest

A more subdued expression of showing concern or curiosity.

FAQs

How can I use "became eager" in a sentence?

Use "became eager" to show someone's transition into a state of enthusiasm or strong desire. For example: "After reading the book, she "became eager" to visit the places described".

What can I say instead of "became eager"?

You can use alternatives like "became enthusiastic", "grew keen", or "got excited" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "become eager" instead of "became eager"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Became eager" is past tense, while "become eager" is used in present perfect or future constructions (e.g., "They have become eager", "They will become eager").

What's the difference between "became eager" and "became willing"?

"Became eager" implies enthusiasm and strong desire, whereas "became willing" suggests a readiness to do something, possibly without great enthusiasm. Eagerness is a stronger emotion than willingness.