eager to

USAGE SUMMARY

"eager to" is a correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is excited and enthusiastic about doing something. For example: "She was eager to learn how to bake a pie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's eager to learn.

The New York Times - Sports

Because they're eager to learn.

The New York Times - Arts

Everyone is eager to help".

The New York Times

"I was eager to help".

The New Yorker

She was eager to succeed.

The New York Times

Alcan is eager to help.

The Economist

He's eager to branch out.

The New York Times - Arts

Eager to please, eager to be loved.

The Guardian

Sunni commanders here seem eager to fight.

The New York Times

Beijing is eager to keep the peace.

The New York Times

They are eager to cross-examine witnesses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eager to" when you want to convey genuine enthusiasm and anticipation for an action. For instance, "The students were eager to participate in the science fair" shows their excitement.

Common error

While "eager to" is widely accepted, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, consider more nuanced alternatives like "desirous of" or "motivated to" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a verb, indicating a state of enthusiasm or readiness to perform an action. This is validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "eager to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey enthusiasm and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a neutral register, it's suitable for various contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, "eager to" effectively communicates a positive and proactive stance. Alternatives like "keen to" or "anxious to" can add subtle nuances to your expression. While the phrase is widely accepted, overusing it in overly formal contexts should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keen to

This alternative maintains a similar level of enthusiasm but uses a different adjective.

enthusiastic about

Shifts the grammatical structure to use an adjective and preposition.

anxious to

This suggests a blend of eagerness and slight nervousness, adding a subtle nuance.

excited to

Implies a high level of anticipation and joy.

willing to

This indicates readiness and consent, though it may lack the strong enthusiasm of "eager to".

can't wait to

Expresses impatience and excitement about something that will happen.

desirous of

A more formal alternative suggesting a strong wish or longing.

have a strong desire to

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the intensity of the wish.

longing to

Emphasizes a deep yearning or desire, adding an emotional depth.

motivated to

Focuses on the internal drive and incentive behind the action.

FAQs

What does "eager to" mean?

The phrase "eager to" means having or showing desire or enthusiasm to do something. It expresses a positive and anticipatory attitude toward an action or event.

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

You can use "eager to" to describe someone's readiness and enthusiasm to perform an action. For example, "She was eager to learn a new language" or "They are eager to start the project".

What can I say instead of "eager to"?

You can use alternatives like "keen to", "anxious to", or "excited to" depending on the context.

Is "eager to" formal or informal?

"Eager to" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives such as "desirous of" for a more refined tone.