eagerness to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eagerness to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or enthusiasm to exist in a certain state or situation. Example: "Her eagerness to be part of the project was evident in her enthusiastic contributions during the meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is an enthusiastic eagerness to be outside.

The New York Times

The eagerness to  be the first with the news often leads to information going unchecked.

Independent

Part of it, surely, reflects an eagerness to be rid of the incumbent.

The New Yorker

The story traces the dynamics of the boys' friendships — and Eykelboom's eagerness to be accepted.

The New Yorker

&main=However, his eagerness to be with the "masses" did not always find favour with his fellow prisoners.

Independent

Alongside their built-in eagerness to be liked is a built-in eagerness to reflect well on us.

The New York Times

He said there was a willingness, even an eagerness, to be challenged by a piece of theater.

The New York Times

There is general incredulity at Tony Blair's gung-ho stance and Britain's seeming eagerness to be part of the conflict.

The Guardian

"American Pie 2" reunites the Michigan teenagers whose clumsy eagerness to be relieved of their virginity fueled the first picture.

The New York Times

The mayor and the school board have pronounced their eagerness to be free of the stigma of the court order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is a willingness/eagerness to be trained/capacitated/informed about the tool at all levels.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eagerness to be" to convey a proactive and enthusiastic attitude towards a future state or role. It's particularly effective when describing someone's positive anticipation of new experiences or responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "eagerness to be" when a simpler expression like "desire to be" or "willingness to be" is more appropriate. "Eagerness" implies a high level of enthusiasm, which might be overstated in some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eagerness to be" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive. It expresses a strong desire or enthusiasm towards achieving a particular state or condition. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eagerness to be" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong and positive anticipation towards a future state or role. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly within news and media contexts. When writing, be mindful of the high level of enthusiasm implied by "eagerness", and consider alternative expressions like "desire to be" or "willingness to be" if a more subdued tone is appropriate. Remember that the phrase uses the infinitive form "to be", indicating the state one anticipates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keenness to be

Emphasizes enthusiasm and willingness, making it slightly more formal.

desire to be

Focuses on a wish or longing, suggesting a deeper, perhaps less immediate, motivation.

willingness to be

Highlights a readiness and acceptance, implying a cooperative attitude.

ambition to be

Stresses aspiration and goal-oriented drive, often suggesting a more significant objective.

determination to be

Underlines resolve and commitment, conveying a stronger sense of purpose.

readiness to be

Implies a state of preparedness and availability, making it less about desire and more about logistics.

longing to be

Evokes a sense of yearning and nostalgia, often suggesting an emotional connection.

yearning to be

Similar to 'longing', but with a stronger emphasis on deep emotional desire and anticipation.

aspiration to be

Focuses on a high ambition or ultimate goal, indicating a long-term desire.

impatience to be

Highlights a restless and urgent need, indicating a lack of patience and a strong desire for immediate results.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "eagerness to be" in a sentence?

Use "eagerness to be" to highlight someone's enthusiastic anticipation or readiness for a specific state or role. For example, "Her "eagerness to be" involved in the project was evident from her prompt responses and proactive suggestions."

What are some alternatives to "eagerness to be" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "keenness to be", "desire to be", or "willingness to be". Each option conveys a slightly different nuance of anticipation or readiness.

Is it correct to say "eagerness of being" instead of "eagerness to be"?

No, "eagerness of being" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "eagerness to be", where "to be" functions as an infinitive indicating the state or action being anticipated.

How does "eagerness to be" differ from "eagerness for"?

"Eagerness to be" refers to a desire for a future state or condition, while "eagerness for" expresses a desire for something tangible or abstract. For instance, "eagerness to be involved" vs. "eagerness for success".