keen for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"keen for knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has a great interest in learning or is eager to gain knowledge. For example, "John is always keen for knowledge and loves studying new topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today, not only does Black pass on her knowledge and love of anatomy to her students, she also has a gaggle of crime writers keen for her expertise as well, chief among them, Scottish author Val McDermid.

The Guardian

Is Declan too keen for Lauren?

BBC

For instance, the producers' association R3AP is not keen on exchanging knowledge with other partners (interview 5).

City, Territory and Architecture

He was also always keen to develop his knowledge of the spiritual aspects of life.

The Guardian

chances are there's someone out there keen to share their knowledge.

The Times

Even from childhood, he had a keen sense of wonder and a hunger for knowledge, spending hours reading through encyclopedias.

The New York Times

What is missing in the Snow Goose he makes up for with skill, tactics, keen local knowledge and a well-oiled crew.

The New York Times

While few GPs perceive themselves to have a core role in the delivery of the NHSP and thence a need for knowledge in the subject, many are keen to delegate detail to a colleague, usually the health visitor, who has traditionally had responsibility for hearing screening.

BMC Family Practice

Shifty winds and strong currents require keen tactical knowledge.

The New York Times

"Your desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

Investors, meanwhile, scrambled for knowledge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen for knowledge" to describe someone who is not only interested in learning, but also actively seeks and appreciates new information. It suggests a proactive approach to gaining knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "keen for knowledge" when a simple interest in a topic is meant. "Interested in" is more appropriate for casual interest, while "keen for knowledge" indicates a more intense desire and effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen for knowledge" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase describing someone's disposition or attitude towards learning. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a strong eagerness or enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge, demonstrating a proactive and appreciative approach to learning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen for knowledge" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes someone with a strong desire to learn. Ludwig confirms this, highlighting its positive connotation and suitability for describing a proactive learner. While the phrase is not extremely common, occurring primarily in news media, science, and wiki contexts, it carries a neutral to slightly formal register. To describe similar concepts, alternatives like "eager to learn" or "thirsty for knowledge" can be used, depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using it when a more casual interest is meant, and be mindful of the intensity the phrase conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to learn

Focuses on the act of learning with enthusiasm, rather than the abstract concept of knowledge itself.

thirsty for knowledge

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire for knowledge, using "thirsty" as a strong metaphor.

hungry for information

Uses "information" instead of "knowledge", suggesting a desire for specific facts and data.

a passion for learning

Expresses a strong enthusiasm and love for the process of learning.

desirous of learning

Uses a more formal tone with "desirous", highlighting a strong wish to learn.

avid for understanding

Shifts the focus to "understanding" which implies a deeper comprehension of the information.

curious to know

Highlights the curiosity aspect, focusing on the desire to discover new things.

interested in learning

A more general expression of interest in acquiring new knowledge.

always seeking knowledge

Highlights the continuous effort to acquire knowledge, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit.

a thirst for enlightenment

Employs "enlightenment" suggesting a pursuit of profound or spiritual knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "keen for knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "keen for knowledge" to describe someone who is very interested in learning and understanding new things. For example, "The student was "keen for knowledge" and always asked insightful questions."

What's a more formal alternative to "keen for knowledge"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "desirous of learning" or "avid for understanding". These options convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

Is it correct to say "keen on knowledge" instead of "keen for knowledge"?

While "keen on" is a valid phrase, ""keen for knowledge"" is more specifically focused on the active pursuit and desire for knowledge. "Keen on" can indicate a general interest, but "keen for" emphasizes a stronger craving.

What is the difference between "hungry for information" and "keen for knowledge"?

"Hungry for information" suggests a need for specific facts, while ""keen for knowledge"" implies a broader, more general desire to understand the world.