eagerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'eagerly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is very enthusiastic, keen, or excited about an activity. For example, "The children eagerly awaited their holiday to the beach despite the rainy sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lots of people eagerly study all the polls and reports on how many people believe that climate change is real and urgent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where once we waited eagerly to catch our weekly fix, these days we are masters of our own viewing destiny, choosing when to watch and, increasingly, what viewing platform to watch it on.

The Guardian

8.52am: I must confess this is the first time that I've been eagerly awaiting the results of a Dutch debt auction since the eurozone crisis began.

The Guardian - Business

It is that fresh energy that the theatre world will be looking eagerly for.

The Guardian

Photographs of the pleasantly colourful contrast of Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano erupting alongside the lights of the aurora borealis provided perhaps the most eye-catching clash in Iceland this week, but it is not the most eagerly anticipated.

The Guardian - Sport

Back to Blood, by Tom Wolfe Now his big generative jockey was inside her pelvic saddle, riding, riding, riding, and she was eagerly swallowing it swallowing it swallowing it with the saddle's own lips and maw — all this without a word.

The Guardian - Books

These were the words, not of a polemicist, a left-wing or liberal politician eagerly running for office.

The Guardian

It would be nice if any kids in that situation come to see the film and get a wee boost," he says eagerly, open-faced.

The Guardian - Film

The same films dominate the best actress list: Linda Bassett for East is East; Julianne Moore for The End of the Affair; Annette Bening for American Beauty; and Emily Watson for Angela's Ashes - which had been eagerly anticipated but was not well received by the critics, and has done poorly in both Oscar and Bafta nominations.

The Guardian

An eagerly anticipated shot in the arm turned into a wound that still festers.

The Guardian

The West End is eagerly awaiting South Park musical The Book of Mormon to transfer from Broadway, where it has been a runaway critical and commercial hit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "eagerly" with more precise synonyms, like "enthusiastically" or "keenly", to avoid overusing the word.

Common error

Avoid using "eagerly" in highly formal or technical writing where a more neutral tone is preferred. Opt for words like "carefully" or "attentively" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "eagerly" functions primarily as a manner adverb, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, enhancing the description of actions with a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eagerly" is a versatile adverb used to express enthusiasm and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in highly technical or academic writing. To enhance your writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "enthusiastically" or "keenly" to add nuance. While "eagerly" is used very commonly in various contexts, make sure the context and audience aligns with your writing and do not overuse it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiastically

Focuses more on the outward expression of excitement.

keenly

Emphasizes the intensity of interest or desire.

expectantly

Directly indicates awaiting something with anticipation.

with anticipation

Highlights the expectation of something positive in the future.

with great interest

Stresses the level of attention and curiosity.

ardently

Implies a passionate and fervent eagerness.

impatiently

Conveys a restless eagerness, often with a sense of impatience.

fervently

Suggests a deeply felt and enthusiastic desire.

wholeheartedly

Emphasizes complete sincerity and enthusiasm.

readily

Highlights the willingness and promptness in action.

FAQs

How to use "eagerly" in a sentence?

Use "eagerly" to describe an action done with enthusiasm or anticipation. For example, "The students "eagerly awaited" the results of the exam".

What can I say instead of "eagerly"?

You can use alternatives like "enthusiastically", "keenly", or "with anticipation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "eagerly" in formal writing?

While "eagerly" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, a more neutral alternative like "attentively" or "carefully" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "eagerly" and "anxiously"?

"Eagerly" implies positive anticipation and enthusiasm, while "anxiously" suggests worry or nervousness. For instance, you might "eagerly await" a vacation, but "anxiously await" news about a medical test. The nuances are different, choose the word depending on context. A good alternative for "eagerly" could be "enthusiastically"