keen on

USAGE SUMMARY

"keen on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express enthusiasm or an interest in something. Example sentence: Sue was very keen on learning new languages.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not keen on that one?

The Guardian - Sport

Not keen on dark chocolate?

Independent

He isn't too keen on people.

The New York Times

He is also keen on devolution.

The Economist

Unsurprisingly, none seems too keen on this.

The Economist

They are not keen on armed Shias.

The Economist

Not so keen on the rhymes, though.

Independent

I wasn't terribly keen on that.

The New York Times - Travel

They weren't too keen on that.

Independent

Not only are they keen on texting.

The Economist

Wie was not keen on the idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keen on", ensure that the object of your enthusiasm is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "keen on" is versatile, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen on" functions as a predicative adjective, expressing someone's enthusiasm or fondness for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express enthusiasm or an interest in something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keen on" is a common and generally accepted way to express enthusiasm or interest in something. As Ludwig AI notes, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While highly versatile and frequently found in news and media, it is less common in more formal academic or scientific writing. When choosing between "keen on" and alternatives like ""interested in"" or ""enthusiastic about"", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and the formality of the context. Using the phrase effectively involves clearly stating the object of your enthusiasm to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fond of

Uses a different adjective to convey liking or affection.

enthusiastic about

Emphasizes the excitement and passion associated with the subject.

interested in

A more general way of expressing curiosity or attention towards something.

a fan of

Informal way to describe having an affinity for someone or something.

partial to

Indicates a preference or liking for something in particular.

take a shine to

Idiomatic expression meaning to quickly develop a liking for someone or something.

have a liking for

A more formal way of expressing fondness or enjoyment.

drawn to

Suggests an attraction or pull towards something.

appreciative of

Highlights the value or positive qualities one finds in something.

inclined towards

Suggests a tendency or predisposition to like or be interested in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "keen on" to express enthusiasm or interest, such as "She is "keen on" learning new languages" or "They are "keen on" sports".

What are some alternatives to "keen on"?

Alternatives include "fond of", "enthusiastic about", or "interested in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keen on" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "keen on" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like ""interested in"" or "appreciative of" in those situations.

What's the difference between "keen on" and "interested in"?

"Keen on" often implies a stronger sense of enthusiasm or active interest compared to ""interested in"", which can simply indicate curiosity or attention.