eager to eat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eager to eat" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe someone who is looking forward to or anticipating a meal. For example, "We were all eager to eat the delicious food at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Just calling for a reservation makes you eager to eat at Montrachet".

The New York Times - Arts

The bugs in question had been fed a week previously, and then starved, so they were eager to eat.

The Economist

Black Africans shown as degenerate savages who'll have sex with non-humans and are pretty damn eager to eat people.

The Guardian - Film

Eager to eat at State Bird Provisions, Mr. Mónica wrote a program to run through its Urban Spoon page and e-mail him when a table became available.

The New York Times

Studies show that rats that have eaten a lot are just as eager to eat chocolate cereal as hungry rats are to eat laboratory chow.

The New Yorker

Maybe the biggest achievement of the boycott has been a change in attitudes of young people often considered all too eager to eat junk food.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They run up to it, inspecting the candy and cake trim on the house, eager to start eating, and hoping that whoever lives in the house will invite them in.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The James' camp pitched the idea to the more than eager all-sports network to eat up 60 minutes of airtime smack in the middle of Major League Baseball season and days from the World Cup Finals on the whim of one man.

Huffington Post

Li's friend took some home to eat; Li, eager to understand how the creatures achieved their remarkable grip, carried his share back to his lab.

Huffington Post

Especially when followed by "Or too nice!" House-party hosts are universally eager to make guests eat.

The New Yorker

But as an eager eater, I would find it a cruel blow not to be able to eat meat.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eager to eat" to convey a strong sense of anticipation or excitement regarding an upcoming meal or dining experience.

Common error

While "eager to eat" is perfectly acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "looking forward to dining" or "anticipating the meal" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eager to eat" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating a state of anticipation or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It describes someone's readiness or willingness to consume food.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eager to eat" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of anticipation and excitement for consuming food. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, with a notable presence in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific business or academic writing. Related phrases, such as "keen to dine" or "can't wait to eat", offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. When using "eager to eat", it's crucial to convey a strong sense of anticipation and excitement regarding an upcoming meal or dining experience and avoid overuse in very formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can't wait to eat

Expresses the sentiment of impatience and excitement regarding the act of eating.

wanting to eat

A more basic and straightforward expression of the desire to eat.

keen to dine

Replaces "eat" with "dine", implying a more formal or sophisticated meal.

looking forward to dining

Adds a sense of anticipation and planning for the meal.

hungry for a meal

Focuses on the feeling of hunger and the desire for a complete meal.

set to enjoy a meal

Highlights the intention and anticipation of enjoying the act of eating.

anxious to feast

Emphasizes the excitement and anticipation of a large or elaborate meal.

ready to devour

Implies a more intense and potentially less refined desire to eat quickly.

in the mood for food

Highlights a general craving or desire for sustenance.

longing for sustenance

Implies a deeper need for nourishment, perhaps after a period of deprivation.

FAQs

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

You can use "eager to eat" to describe someone's anticipation for a meal, as in, "After a long hike, the campers were "eager to eat" their dinner".

What's a more formal alternative to "eager to eat"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "looking forward to dining" or "anticipating the meal" instead of "eager to eat".

Which is correct, "eager to eat" or "eager for eating"?

"Eager to eat" is generally preferred and more common. "Eager for eating" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What can I say instead of "eager to eat"?

You can use alternatives like "keen to dine", "hungry for a meal", or "can't wait to eat" depending on the specific context.