keen enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sufficient level of enthusiasm, interest, or ability in a particular context. Example: "She was keen enough to take on the challenging project, demonstrating her commitment to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I was keen for years afterward to do more backpacking, but never quite keen enough to make it happen.

The New Yorker

I discovered another kind of disappointment on Sunday night, of a lesser order but keen enough for the person experiencing it: the disappointment of the outvoted judge.

The Guardian - Books

Now, at 66, Donald Butler hunts only deer, patiently searching the muddy winter landscape with eyes that are not as sharp as they used to be, but keen enough.

The New York Times

The precision of everything she did, the whetting of essential truths to a comic edge keen enough to slay everyone in the aisles ("And we weren't having hysterectomies every two minutes either, like the girls these days.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Germany have not been at their best since that opening game, but they have hardly needed to be: in theory, a second-round meeting with Algeria should keep them keen enough for a likely quarter-final with France.

The Guardian - Sport

She assembles sensors keen enough to detect a single photon of light.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

There was a keening sound, loud enough to be heard over the engines, and in spite of the cold wind he became aware of a nauseating smell.

The New Yorker

By 1982, of course, the country had shifted from Carter to Reagan, and, however Spielberg voted, he was smart and sensitive enough, and sufficiently keen on Norman Rockwell, to pick up the traces of nostalgia in the air.

The New Yorker

"We were always keen for there to be enough ambiguity in the story.

Vice

I didn't write [Keener's "Enough Said" character] Marianne with her in my mind, at least not consciously -- but I have written parts just for her, and so in that respect she's a huge inspiration.

Huffington Post

The deft touch of her personal poems and keen written observations filled those fortunate enough to receive them with delight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keen enough", ensure the context clearly defines what the person or thing is 'keen' about. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "keen enough" when the situation demands a stronger expression of enthusiasm or commitment. "Keen enough" implies a moderate level of interest, not necessarily passionate dedication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen enough" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a sufficient level of interest, enthusiasm, or competence. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses a balanced degree of motivation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen enough" is a versatile phrase used to express a sufficient level of interest, enthusiasm, or capability. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in news, science, and business contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is appropriate for describing someone's minimum required level of enthusiasm or ability to achieve a specific outcome. When using "keen enough", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended degree of enthusiasm, and be aware of alternatives like "sufficiently enthusiastic" or "adequately interested" to fine-tune your expression. The term is generally neutral in register, suitable for various forms of writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently enthusiastic

Replaces "keen" with "enthusiastic" and maintains the qualifier "sufficiently" instead of "enough".

sufficiently eager

Swaps "keen" with "eager", emphasizing anticipation and excitement.

sufficiently passionate

Replaces "keen" with "passionate", highlighting a strong emotional investment.

adequately interested

Substitutes "keen" with "interested" and uses "adequately" to convey a similar level of sufficiency.

sufficiently motivated

Replaces "keen" with "motivated", focusing on the drive or impetus behind the action.

interested to a degree

Uses a more verbose structure to express a moderate level of interest.

inclined enough

Uses "inclined" to suggest a tendency or willingness, maintaining a similar level of qualification.

adequately prepared

Shifts the focus to preparedness rather than enthusiasm, implying a readiness based on sufficient interest or motivation.

adequately capable

Emphasizes capability and competence as a result of being keen or driven.

sufficiently skilled

Focuses on skill level rather than enthusiasm, but still implies a sufficient level of ability.

FAQs

How can I use "keen enough" in a sentence?

You can use "keen enough" to describe someone's level of interest or enthusiasm for something. For example, "She was "keen enough" to volunteer for the project", indicating she had sufficient interest to participate.

What are some alternatives to "keen enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently enthusiastic", "adequately interested", or "sufficiently motivated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "keen enough" or "sufficiently keen"?

Both "keen enough" and "sufficiently keen" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What does it mean when someone is "not keen enough"?

If someone is "not keen enough", it means they lack the necessary enthusiasm, interest, or motivation to do something. For instance, "He was "not keen enough" to complete the task", indicating a lack of sufficient interest.