he was eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'He was eager' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to describe a person's enthusiasm about something. For example: He was eager to try the new roller coaster at the amusement park.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Still, he was eager to be on a contender.

The New York Times

He was eager and guileless.

The New Yorker

He was eager to buy anyway.

The New York Times

He was eager for some air.

The New Yorker

He was eager to repay his debt.

The New Yorker

He was eager, all right, but guileless?

The New Yorker

He was eager to show me around.

The New Yorker

He was eager to try the Internet.

The New Yorker

He was eager to return.

The New York Times - Sports

He was eager for this.

The New Yorker

He was eager to exonerate his faith.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was eager" to convey enthusiasm or willingness, but consider stronger synonyms like "enthusiastic" or "keen" for added emphasis. Always ensure that the level of eagerness matches the context.

Common error

Avoid using "he was eager" in contexts where a neutral or negative outcome is implied. Eagerness generally suggests a positive anticipation, so ensure it aligns with the overall sentiment of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was eager" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being. It indicates a state of enthusiasm, willingness, or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was eager" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict someone's enthusiasm, willingness, or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. For variations, consider alternatives such as "he was keen" or "he was willing". Use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context aligns with the positive connotation of eagerness. Avoid misusing it in negatively charged situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was keen

Expresses enthusiasm and interest, similar to "eager" but with a slightly different nuance.

he was enthusiastic

Emphasizes strong excitement and positive emotion, providing a more intense alternative.

he was willing

Shows readiness and consent, focusing more on agreement than excitement.

he was itching to

Conveys a restless eagerness, suggesting an impatience to begin or participate.

he felt inclined

Indicates a disposition or willingness, implying a less intense feeling than "eager".

he anticipated

Focuses on expecting something with a sense of excitement, rather than immediate eagerness.

he looked forward to

Highlights anticipation of a future event, shifting the focus from present eagerness.

he had a desire to

Suggests a wish or longing, indicating a potentially less active form of eagerness.

he yearned

Implies a deep longing or persistent desire, differing in intensity from simple eagerness.

he craved

Indicates a strong and urgent desire, carrying a sense of need or craving.

FAQs

How can I use "he was eager" in a sentence?

Use "he was eager" to describe someone's enthusiasm or willingness to do something. For example, "He was eager to start his new job."

What's the difference between "he was eager" and "he was excited"?

While both convey enthusiasm, "he was eager" implies a readiness and willingness to act, whereas "he was excited" emphasizes the emotion of enthusiasm.

What are some alternatives to saying "he was eager"?

You can use alternatives like "he was keen", "he was willing", or "he was enthusiastic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he was eager for" something?

Yes, "he was eager for" is correct and commonly used. For example, "He was eager for the opportunity."