eager for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'eager for knowledge' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone is willing to learn or is enthusiastic about gaining knowledge. For example, "The new student was eager for knowledge and quickly became a top performer in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Many of these future Chinese leaders were among the hundreds of thousands of students who crowded into universities beginning in the late 1970s, eager for knowledge after years of rote-learning Mao Zedong Thought during the Cultural Revolution, when colleges were mostly shut or paralyzed by ideological campaigns.

The New York Times

Being eager for knowledge, Faramir learned much from Gandalf about the history of the realm and about the death of Isildur.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

These developments were accompanied by the encouragement of the falāsifah—"those who," according to Averroës' Faṣl, "follow the way of speculation and are eager for a knowledge of the truth"—to apply demonstrative arguments to the interpretation of the theoretical teaching of the Sharīʿah.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He escapes and finds a community of people who memorize books because they have faith there will come a time when people are eager for true knowledge and beauty.

Huffington Post

They are waking up to the limitations of the "emerging art" model that spits them out whole at 37 and are eager for mentorship and knowledge of the past.

Huffington Post

He was, as Jardine's title implies, curious in all senses, avid for knowledge, eager to explore worlds hitherto unseen, whether it be through the lens of a microscope or the journals of travellers, and also simply "odd", with his mood-swings, hidden sexual life, loyalties and rows.

The Guardian - Books

Eager to compete for the economic success derived from devising ever more sophisticated applications for knowledge, these nations are impatient to crack the elite educational monopoly held by a very small number of mostly Western places.

Forbes

"Your desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

Investors, meanwhile, scrambled for knowledge.

The Economist

So much for knowledge.

Forbes

I thirst for knowledge.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eager for knowledge" to describe someone's proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning. For example, "The student was eager for knowledge and always asked insightful questions."

Common error

Avoid replacing "for" with other prepositions like "of" or "about". "Eager of knowledge" or "eager about knowledge" are grammatically incorrect. Always use "eager for knowledge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager for knowledge" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun (often implied). It describes a state of being characterized by enthusiasm and a strong desire to acquire information and understanding. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eager for knowledge" is a grammatically sound and readily usable expression to denote someone's enthusiasm for learning, a fact corroborated by Ludwig. Found most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wikis, its register leans towards neutral to formal. Alternative phrases such as "avid for knowledge" or "keen for knowledge" can add nuance. As Ludwig suggests, ensure correct preposition usage (always "for") to avoid errors. Remember, the phrase underscores proactive and enthusiastic engagement with learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avid for knowledge

Replaces "eager" with "avid", indicating a more intense enthusiasm.

keen for knowledge

Substitutes "eager" with "keen", suggesting a sharp and enthusiastic interest.

hungry for knowledge

Uses "hungry" as a metaphor for a strong desire, emphasizing the need to learn.

thirsty for knowledge

Employs "thirsty" to illustrate a deep craving for understanding.

desirous of knowledge

Replaces "eager for" with "desirous of", a more formal expression of wanting knowledge.

inquisitive about knowledge

Shifts focus to the act of questioning and exploring to gain knowledge.

passion for knowledge

Highlights the intense emotion and enthusiasm associated with seeking knowledge.

zeal for knowledge

Indicates a fervent and energetic pursuit of understanding.

yearning for knowledge

Expresses a deep longing and desire to learn and understand.

a craving for knowledge

Uses "craving" to emphasize the intensity and urgency of the desire for knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "eager for knowledge" to describe someone who is enthusiastic about learning, as in "The student was "eager for knowledge" and actively participated in class discussions".

What's a more formal alternative to "eager for knowledge"?

A more formal alternative would be "desirous of knowledge", which conveys a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

What can I say instead of "eager for knowledge" to emphasize a strong desire?

To emphasize a strong desire, you could say "hungry for knowledge" or "thirsty for knowledge", both of which imply a deep craving to learn.

Is "eager to learn" the same as "eager for knowledge"?

"Eager to learn" is a more general statement about a willingness to learn, while ""eager for knowledge"" specifically highlights the enthusiasm for gaining understanding and information.