eager for

USAGE SUMMARY

'eager for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'eager for' to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and excited about something. For example, "John was eager for the party to start so he could show off his new outfit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are eager for answers.

The New York Times - Sports

Awil is eager for action.

The New York Times

Are the players' unions eager for change?

The Economist

Caterpillar also appeared eager for a settlement.

The New York Times

He's willing, even eager, for combat.

The New York Times

He was eager for some air.

The New Yorker

The Socialists are eager for power.

The New York Times

You're still eager for their approval.

The New York Times - Magazine

He sounded eager for the next rung.

The New Yorker

I'm not eager for godlike status.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This will have them...eager for more.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "eager for", ensure that the object of your eagerness is clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, instead of saying "He was eager", specify "He was eager for the results of the election".

Common error

Avoid following "eager for" directly with a verb. "Eager for to go" is incorrect. Instead, use "eager to go" or rephrase to use a noun, such as "eager for the opportunity to go".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager for" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a state of anticipation or enthusiasm related to that noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eager for" is a versatile and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express anticipation or enthusiasm for something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While other phrases like "excited about" or "looking forward to" can be used as alternatives, it's important to ensure the context allows for a noun or noun phrase to follow. Avoid misusing "eager for" with verbs; instead, use "eager to" when a verb follows. Remember to specify the object of your eagerness for clarity. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively use the phrase "eager for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking forward to

A common and versatile phrase for expressing anticipation.

can't wait for

Informally expresses strong anticipation and excitement.

excited about

Highlights the feeling of excitement and anticipation.

awaiting with excitement

Emphasizes the act of waiting while experiencing excitement.

keen on

Expresses enthusiasm or interest, similar to "eager for", but often used for ongoing interests.

anxious to

Conveys a sense of worry or eagerness, implying a desire for something to happen soon.

ready for

Suggests preparedness and anticipation for an event or opportunity.

longing for

Suggests a deep yearning or desire, often for something difficult to attain.

yearning for

Implies a strong and persistent desire, often tinged with sadness or nostalgia.

anticipating with pleasure

Formally expresses the feeling of looking forward to something enjoyable.

FAQs

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

Use "eager for" to express enthusiasm or anticipation for something. For example, "The students were "eager for" the summer vacation to begin".

What's the difference between "eager to" and "eager for"?

"Eager to" is followed by a verb, while "eager for" is followed by a noun or noun phrase. For instance, "I am eager to learn" versus "I am "eager for" knowledge".

What can I say instead of "eager for"?

You can use alternatives like "excited about", "looking forward to", or "keen on" depending on the specific context.

Is "eager for" formal or informal?

"Eager for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure. It is a versatile phrase for expressing enthusiasm.