being keen on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being keen on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. Example: "She is being keen on learning new languages and often practices with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

You can't blame veteran directors for being keen on the past.

The Guardian - Film

Being keen on cycling, art and on a location reachable by train, we chose Amsterdam, and stayed in a beautiful wooden-floored property on Wouwermanstraat, a few minutes' walk, even at toddler pace, from the Rijksmuseum and leafy Vondelpark.

The Guardian - Travel

Rather than being keen on taxes and public spending, European liberals are often derided (notably in France) for seeking minimal government in fact, for denying that government has any useful role at all, aside from pruning vital regulation and subverting the norms of decency that impede the poor from being ground down.

The Economist

There would be no question of them not being keen on such a fine manager.

BBC

Low band gap iodide perovskite is expected to be a potential candidate for solar cell light harvester, however little attention has been paid to such a possibility because of being keen on change in electrical property depending on structural dimensionality reported in 1994 [3].

Nano Convergence

Flor covered her face but didn't deny being keen on Barney Chaskel.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Your driver is keener on talking than driving.

The Economist

However, one musician is keen on keeping spirits high.

Vice

I'm keen on them".

The New York Times

PHYSICISTS are keen on symmetry.

The Economist

He is keen on law and order.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being keen on", ensure it aligns with the overall tone. It's suitable for informal to neutral contexts but might be less appropriate in highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "having a strong interest in" for professional settings.

Common error

Avoid overusing "being keen on" in formal reports or academic papers. While grammatically correct, it can sound less professional than alternatives like "demonstrating a significant interest in" or "possessing a strong inclination towards".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "being keen on" is to act as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's state of interest or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase expresses a positive inclination. Examples show it describing interests in cycling, nostalgia, and even revenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being keen on" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express interest or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability and common function as a predicate adjective. It is suitable for informal to neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, but less so in formal or academic writing. While synonyms such as "having a strong interest in" exist, "being keen on" maintains a distinct, slightly colloquial flavor. Remember to use it judiciously, considering your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a strong interest in

This phrase directly states the presence of a significant level of curiosity or concern towards something.

being enthusiastic about

This alternative emphasizes excitement and positive energy, highlighting the emotional aspect of interest.

being eager for

This alternative stresses anticipation and a desire for something to happen or be obtained.

being fond of

This alternative suggests a warm and affectionate liking, often used for things enjoyed over time.

having an affinity for

This alternative suggests a natural liking or connection, often implying a sense of understanding or ease.

having a penchant for

This alternative suggests a habitual liking or fondness, implying a stronger inclination than simply being interested.

being partial to

This phrase indicates a preference or bias towards something, suggesting a subjective liking.

being inclined towards

This phrase indicates a leaning or tendency in a particular direction, suggesting a predisposition.

relishing the idea of

This emphasizes taking great pleasure or enjoyment from the prospect of something.

taking a shine to

This idiom suggests developing a sudden and strong liking for something or someone.

FAQs

What does "being keen on" mean?

The phrase "being keen on" means having a strong interest in or enthusiasm for something. It suggests a positive inclination or liking.

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

You can use "being keen on" to express your interest in a particular activity or subject. For example, "She is being keen on learning new languages and often practices with native speakers."

What can I say instead of "being keen on"?

You can use alternatives like "having a strong interest in", "being enthusiastic about", or "having a penchant for" depending on the context.

Is "being keen on" formal or informal?

"Being keen on" is generally considered informal to neutral in tone. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "having a significant interest in" or demonstrating a strong inclination towards.