it was eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was eager" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as "eager" is an adjective that requires a noun to modify, making the phrase incomplete. Example: "The dog was eager to play with its owner."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

In its proposal, the shop noted it was eager to shed its image as "Southern gentlemen".

Forbes

At the same time, the company was stepping up a public relations campaign based on the theme that it was eager to shed its past and confront the health risks of its products.

The New York Times

It is a particularly good fit for Citigroup, which had said it was eager to increase its consumer deposits in states like California, where it already has a presence.

The New York Times

Euronext, which this week reported fourth-quarter profits 53% up on the previous year and promised to return €1 billion ($831m) to investors through a special dividend and share buyback, declared that it was eager to bridge its differences with the Germans.

The Economist

Although Labour did well in the London elections in May, the party is aware that it failed to win some outer London and south-east target seats, so it was eager to reduce its exposure to a Tory or Lib Dem attack over a tax on homeowners.

The Guardian

The firm said talent was its "number one priority" and it was eager to "rectify the situation".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

And Iran wants to strengthen its narrative that it is eager for a deal but has run into unreasonable Western demands.

Los Angeles Times

It is eager to exploit its LNG expertise, as well as acquire access to Cove's assets in Mozambique and Kenya.

The Guardian - Business

Libya, for its part, has signaled that it is eager to strike new deals with international oil companies.

The New York Times

For gastric cancer, as one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide, it is eager to discover its related genes, which can help to uncover its mechanism and design effective treatments.

BioMed Research International

Publicly, the Treasury Department has taken a hands-off approach to current management at G.M. and says it is eager to sell off its shares as soon as possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the phrase "it was eager" is always followed by an infinitive verb to complete its meaning; for example, "it was eager to learn".

Common error

Avoid using "it was eager" without specifying what "it" is eager to do. Without a clarifying infinitive verb, the sentence will be considered incomplete and grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was eager" acts as part of a predicate, expressing a state of being enthusiastic or willing in the past. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where an entity showed readiness or enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it was eager" appears frequently across diverse sources, Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical incompleteness when not followed by an infinitive. Although common in news and media, its grammatical inaccuracy affects its expert rating. For enhanced clarity and precision, consider using alternatives such as "it was keen" or "it was willing" to convey the intended meaning. Ensure grammatical correctness by always following the phrase with an infinitive verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was keen

Replaces "eager" with "keen", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the core meaning of enthusiasm.

it was willing

Substitutes "eager" with "willing", indicating a readiness or consent to do something.

it was enthusiastic

Replaces "eager" with "enthusiastic", emphasizing a feeling of excitement and intense interest.

it was inclined

Offers a more subdued alternative, suggesting a predisposition or tendency towards something.

it was disposed

Indicates a tendency or willingness, often in a formal or literary context.

it was predisposed

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or readiness towards something.

it was avid

Suggests a strong desire or enthusiasm, often implying a sense of eagerness.

it was zealous

Conveys a fervent and passionate eagerness, often associated with dedication.

it was impatient

Emphasizes a restless or hurried eagerness, suggesting a desire for something to happen quickly.

it was hungry

Illustrates a voracious appetite or eagerness, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How to use "it was eager" in a sentence?

The phrase "it was eager" requires an infinitive to complete the meaning and ensure grammatical correctness. For example, "The company was eager to expand."

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

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

Which is correct, "it was eager" or "it is eager"?

Both phrases are grammatically incomplete without a following infinitive verb. The choice depends on the time frame you are referencing: use "it was eager" for the past and "it is eager" for the present.

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

"It was eager" implies a positive anticipation and willingness, whereas "it was anxious" suggests worry or unease about something. The terms are not interchangeable as they convey different emotional states.