i was eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was eager" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong desire or enthusiasm for something that occurred in the past. Example: "I was eager to start my new job and meet my colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But I was eager.

The New Yorker

"I was eager to help".

The New Yorker

I was eager to hear his advice.

The New York Times

"I was eager," he said.

The New York Times

I was eager, vulnerable and lonely..

The Guardian - Books

I was eager to turn the page.

The Guardian - Books

I was eager to move on.

The New York Times

I was eager to see these ensembles in action.

Harvard University

I was far too early (I guess I was eager).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was eager and looking for my dream job.

Huffington Post

I was eager for the therapist to explain my glitch.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was eager" to clearly communicate your enthusiasm or anticipation for a past event or opportunity.

Common error

While "eager" is suitable for many situations, consider stronger or more specific verbs in formal writing to convey nuance. Options include "determined", "motivated", or "compelled" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was eager" functions as a statement expressing a past feeling of enthusiasm or strong desire. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English, effectively conveying a sense of anticipation for something that occurred in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was eager" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey past enthusiasm or strong desire, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for varied contexts, although alternatives might be preferred in more formal settings. While expressing a general positive sentiment, users should consider nuances of related phrases like "I was anxious" or "I couldn't wait" to refine their intended meaning. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatility and proper application, affirming its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I looked forward to

Expresses a positive expectation and pleasure about a future event.

I was keen

Suggests a strong interest and willingness.

I was enthusiastic

Highlights positive excitement and interest.

I couldn't wait

Expresses a high level of anticipation and excitement.

I anticipated

Focuses on expecting something with a degree of excitement or apprehension.

I was dying to

Indicates an extreme level of desire or impatience.

I was anxious

Implies a sense of worry or unease in addition to anticipation.

I was impatient

Emphasizes the difficulty in waiting or delaying.

I yearned

Implies a deep longing or desire.

I craved

Conveys a strong and urgent desire.

FAQs

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

"I was eager" is used to express enthusiasm or anticipation for something in the past. For example, "I was eager to start my new job" or "I was eager to see the results of the experiment".

What can I say instead of "I was eager"?

You can use alternatives like "I couldn't wait", "I was enthusiastic", or "I was keen" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I am eager" instead of "I was eager"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "I am eager" expresses present enthusiasm, while "I was eager" expresses enthusiasm in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects when the feeling occurred.

What's the difference between "I was eager" and "I was anxious"?

While both express anticipation, "I was eager" generally conveys positive excitement, whereas "I was anxious" often implies worry or unease mixed with anticipation.