can be eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be eager" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has the potential or ability to show eagerness or enthusiasm. Example: "Children can be eager to learn new things, especially when the subject is engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If United can keep that commitment level up for the last two games, especially considering the season, they can be eager to start the 2014 season.

The Guardian - Sport

More than this, the university itself can be eager to learn from us too, because academic people are not always sure about the right type of equipment or about the volume of the potential users.

Triple Helix

Researchers are churning out senior sex studies at an increasingly rapid rate, virtually all of them confirming that physically healthy men can be eager, proficient, even vibrant sex partners well into their 80s.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The kids in camouflage wearing bags clinking with spray cans were eager to see the master's work.

Vice

Patients can also be eager to move ahead quickly, particularly if they have been "trying" for a long time or are older.

Huffington Post

Even the students who "look autistic" can still be eager learners who are a pleasure to have in class.[1].

WikiHow

This time, she is shaking as many hands as can be found, eager to dispel any lingering notion that she is tin-eared or aloof.

The New York Times

IF GENERALS have a tendency to fight the previous war, journalists and politicians can be too eager to wage the next one.

The Economist

Dr. Abramovitz said that parents can be so eager to reassure that they make unrealistic promises, like "this will never happen to you".

The New York Times - Health

Understandably but disastrously, firms and policies are often ruled by fear, while individuals can be less eager to give young blood a chance, being focused on preserving their own position.

The Guardian

Scientists can be too eager to write off other disciplines as "soft," subjective, and therefore inferior to science and its rigorous approach.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be eager" to describe a potential state of enthusiasm or willingness. It is appropriate when referring to people, groups, or even abstract concepts that might demonstrate eagerness under certain conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "can be eager" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. If something is already showing eagerness, use a more definite phrase such as "is eager" or "shows eagerness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be eager" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing potential or possibility. The modal verb "can" indicates the ability or likelihood of someone or something exhibiting eagerness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes something that has the potential to show eagerness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be eager" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys the possibility or potential for enthusiasm or willingness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it accurately describes something that has the potential to demonstrate eagerness. Its register is largely neutral, appearing in news, scientific, and general contexts. While not extremely common, it serves a valuable function in describing conditional states or possibilities, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be enthusiastic

Replaces "eager" with "enthusiastic", suggesting a slightly more intense level of interest.

might be keen

Uses "keen" instead of "eager", indicating a strong interest or enthusiasm.

could be enthusiastic

Similar to "may be enthusiastic", but with a slightly lower degree of certainty.

may show eagerness

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the demonstration of eagerness.

might display enthusiasm

Similar to 'may show eagerness', but emphasizes the outward display of enthusiasm.

could be willing

Focuses on willingness rather than eagerness, suggesting a readiness to do something.

may be inclined

Implies a tendency or predisposition towards eagerness.

could demonstrate interest

Highlights the potential for showing interest in a subject or activity.

might have enthusiasm

Emphasizes possession of enthusiasm as a potential quality.

may express interest

Focuses on the verbal or non-verbal communication of interest.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be eager" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "may exhibit enthusiasm", "might demonstrate a keen interest", or "could be inclined to participate".

What's the difference between "can be eager" and "is eager"?

"Can be eager" implies a possibility or potential for eagerness, while "is eager" indicates a present and definite state of eagerness. Use "can be eager" when describing a potential scenario, and "is eager" when describing a current state.

When is it appropriate to use "can be eager" in a sentence?

Use "can be eager" when you want to suggest a conditional possibility of someone or something displaying eagerness, contingent on specific circumstances or conditions. Example: "Students can be eager to learn if the subject matter is presented in an engaging way."

What are some alternatives to "can be eager" for expressing potential enthusiasm?

Other options include phrases like "may be enthusiastic", "might be keen", or "could show interest", which all express a degree of possibility or potential regarding someone's enthusiasm.