keen on history

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen on history" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for history. Example: "She is particularly keen on history, often spending her weekends visiting museums and historical sites."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're very keen on history, and we're interested in the links" to Winston Churchill and Great Britain, said Mrs. Seale, while her husband likened the countryside to "parts of Wales and Scotland".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His Socialist predecessor, Felipe Gonzalez, was none too keen on recent history either.

The Economist

The boy, keen on natural history, was introduced and it was announced that we wanted to ask David a question.

Independent

But he wasn't crying over the World Heritage Site that now may be destroyed by hardline fighters keen on erasing history and selling off antiquities.

Huffington Post

A student of history, keen on current events, he clipped out articles voraciously for family and friends from publications from around the world.

The New York Times

Parts of Meredith Monk's audience are old loyalists who let you know that they can, as they say, remember her when; other parts are young, keen on her not as history but as an artist who opens doors in the mind to new terrain.

The New York Times - Arts

Not keen on that one?

The Guardian - Sport

English has a complicated history, influenced structurally by many other languages and keen on borrowing words from yet more.

The Guardian

Bean is not keen on the idea that One Man, Two Guvnors might follow other National Theatre exports - like The History Boys and War Horse - to the big screen.

BBC

Not keen on dark chocolate?

Independent

He isn't too keen on people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen on history" when you want to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for historical subjects. It's particularly effective in describing someone's hobbies or academic pursuits.

Common error

Avoid using "keen on" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "interested in", "passionate about", or "enthusiastic about" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen on history" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating a strong interest or enthusiasm for the subject of history. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keen on history" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to express a strong interest in historical subjects. Ludwig indicates that it is acceptable and understandable in written English. While "interested in history" is a more common alternative, "keen on history" adds a touch of enthusiasm. It is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, but less so in highly formal academic or business settings. Remember to vary your language and avoid overusing this phrase in close proximity to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interested in history

A more general and common way to express interest.

passionate about history

Conveys a stronger sense of enthusiasm and emotion.

enthusiastic about history

Similar to passionate, but slightly less intense.

a history buff

An informal term for someone very knowledgeable and interested in history.

fascinated by history

Highlights the captivating nature of history for the individual.

a deep interest in history

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the interest.

a strong interest in history

Similar to "a deep interest", but slightly less intense.

history aficionado

A more formal way of saying someone is a fan of history.

devoted to history

Implies a significant commitment of time and energy.

absorbed in history

Suggests a complete immersion in the subject.

FAQs

What does "keen on history" mean?

The phrase "keen on history" means having a strong interest in or enthusiasm for history. It suggests a fondness for learning about past events and historical subjects.

What can I say instead of "keen on history"?

You can use alternatives like "interested in history", "passionate about history", or "enthusiastic about history" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "keen on history"?

The phrase "keen on history" is generally considered informal to neutral in tone. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but might be less appropriate in highly formal or academic contexts.

Is it better to say "keen on history" or "interested in history"?

Both "keen on history" and "interested in history" are correct. "Interested in history" is more common and neutral, while "keen on history" implies a stronger degree of enthusiasm or passion.