how keenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how keenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong degree of perception or awareness regarding a situation or feeling. Example: "She realized how keenly he felt the loss, as his eyes reflected deep sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Shoots through my heart, you can't conceive how keenly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No matter how keenly he tries to ruin things, however, his basic gifts peek through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is moving is how keenly everyone feels the loss of Diane, more than 20 years on.

The Guardian - Film

The actors, and Mr. Mazursky, make it clear how keenly they feel Wood's absence, but they're having such a good time that they practically invoke her presence.

The New York Times

The interview was filmed and it was noteworthy how keenly aware he was of the camera and how carefully he positioned himself for it.

The Guardian

That decision showed just how much he wanted to be there and how keenly he felt it was important to emerge tonight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Muhammad is also keenly aware of how her success challenges the false narrative about Muslims that bigoted politicians like U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump have tried to further.

Huffington Post

Which is frustrating because Munnery shows us enough to feel keenly how good he could be.

The Guardian

But I think a lot of bankers I spoke to also identified with her position, and felt keenly how precarious your position is once you reach a certain level of success.

The New York Times

The iStar project has two major expeditions this Antarctic summer to try to probe more keenly how the warming of the ocean is coupling to the drawdown of ice deep inland.

BBC

Kenyans will watch keenly how his government will address historical injustices regarding land that have left thousands displaced and forced Kenyans to jump on each other's throats disrupting lives and livelihoods.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how keenly" to add emphasis to the degree of awareness or feeling in a situation. For example, describe "how keenly" someone felt a loss to highlight their sorrow.

Common error

Avoid using "how keenly" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Consider alternatives like "how much" or "how deeply" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how keenly" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to emphasize the intensity or degree of an action, feeling, or perception. As Ludwig AI highlights, it expresses a strong degree of awareness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how keenly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to emphasize the intensity of an emotion, perception, or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a versatile expression, appearing most frequently in News & Media, academic, and scientific contexts. To wield it most effectively, consider the level of formality required by the setting, opting for more informal alternatives like "how much" or "how deeply" when appropriate. Remember that while precise and impactful, overuse in casual speech might sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how acutely

This emphasizes the sharpness or intensity of perception, similar to "how keenly" but with a slightly more clinical feel.

how intensely

Focuses on the degree of strength or force, applicable to feelings or actions.

how deeply

This emphasizes the profound nature of the feeling or understanding.

with what intensity

This phrase rearranges the structure, emphasizing the presence of intensity.

how strongly

This indicates the power or force with which something is felt or done.

how sensitively

This emphasizes the level of awareness and empathy shown.

to what extent

This phrase shifts the focus to the degree or scope of something rather than the intensity of feeling or perception.

how perceptively

This emphasizes the insightfulness and understanding involved.

how attentively

Highlights the level of focus and care given to something.

to what degree

Similar to 'to what extent', it quantifies the level or measure of something.

FAQs

How can I use "how keenly" in a sentence?

You can use "how keenly" to emphasize the degree of someone's awareness or feeling. For instance, "She understood "how keenly" he felt the pressure to succeed" highlights the intensity of his feelings.

What are some alternatives to "how keenly"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "how keenly" include "how acutely", "how intensely", or "how deeply". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "how keenly" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "how keenly" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the intensity of a perception or feeling in a sophisticated way. It's frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts.

What is the difference between "how keenly" and "how much"?

"How much" generally refers to quantity or degree in a broad sense. "How keenly" is more specific, emphasizing the sharpness or intensity of a feeling, awareness, or perception. For example, you might ask "How much" does it cost?" but describe ""how keenly"" someone felt the sting of betrayal.