keen imagination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen imagination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is very creative and able to think in imaginative ways. For example, "John has a keen imagination that allows him to come up with innovative solutions to problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Yet this major pianist, who brings prodigious technique, keen imagination and insightful musicianship to her playing, is hardly known in the United States.

The New York Times

To Ms. Schub, however, the store was ground zero for style, a place where anyone with keen imagination might unearth chic accouterments.

The New York Times - Style

His fingers are like search-and-destroy units zapping the keys, working at the behest of his probing mind and keen imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Parnas (a granddaughter of the famed cellist Leslie Parnas) brought velvety sound, articulate passagework and keen imagination to her performance, abetted all the way by Mr. Laredo and his players.

The New York Times - Arts

The strongest quality of "Drift and Providence," a moody, dark piece of subdued intensity, is that it comes across as the music of a composer with a personal voice and keen imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

His creative prose, such as that in Vogelvrij (1927; "Outlawed") and Diergaarde voor kinderen van nu (1932; "Zoo for Today's Children"), consists mainly of grotesque sketches that demonstrate his keen imagination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But Mr. Zuidam brings to bear such a keen ear for harmony and such great imagination for textural and instrumental combinations that this halting score keeps you hooked.

The New York Times - Arts

Use your great imagination.

WikiHow

This kind of dream, conceived with a keen spiritual imagination, is integral to the foundation of any liberating work.

Huffington Post

They had then spent months sifting through more than 5,000 replies, none of which captured their keen entrepreneurial imaginations.

The Guardian - Music

The author of three cheerfully wayward novels and one essay collection, she has a keen and uninhibited imagination.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen imagination" to describe someone's capacity for original thought and creative problem-solving. It emphasizes both the intensity and effectiveness of their imaginative abilities.

Common error

While "keen imagination" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more specific terms like "innovative approach" or "creative analysis" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen imagination" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "imagination". It is used to emphasize the quality and intensity of someone's ability to generate creative ideas. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes someone who is very creative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen imagination" is a phrase used to describe a strong, effective, and insightful ability to generate creative ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and well-suited for describing individuals with exceptional creativity and problem-solving abilities. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with secondary use in academia and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, consider the nuance you wish to convey; alternatives such as "vivid imagination" or "fertile imagination" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain a professional tone. The phrase's presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica further validates its use and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vivid imagination

Focuses more on the clarity and detail of the imagination.

fertile imagination

Emphasizes the abundance and productivity of the imagination.

creative mind

Shifts the focus from the imagination itself to the overall creative capacity of the mind.

innovative thinking

Highlights the ability to generate new and original ideas.

ingenious mind

Highlights cleverness and resourcefulness in thinking.

inventive spirit

Emphasizes the drive and passion for creating new things.

visionary thinking

Focuses on the ability to imagine and plan for the future.

imaginative power

Highlights the strength and capacity of the imagination.

resourceful intellect

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties, implying imaginative problem-solving.

astute creativity

Highlights sharpness and cleverness combined with originality.

FAQs

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

You can use "keen imagination" to describe someone who possesses a strong and effective ability to generate new ideas or approach problems creatively. For example, "The designer's "keen imagination" allowed her to create truly unique and functional spaces".

What are some synonyms for "keen imagination"?

Alternatives to "keen imagination" include "vivid imagination", "fertile imagination", and "creative mind". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keen imagination" formal or informal?

"Keen imagination" is suitable for a variety of contexts, from neutral news reporting to academic analyses. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What does it mean to have a "keen imagination"?

To have a "keen imagination" means to possess a strong, sharp, and active ability to form new ideas, concepts, or images of external objects not present to the senses. It suggests both creativity and insightful thinking.