keen problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen problem" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe a problem that is particularly sharp or intense, but it is not commonly used this way. Example: "The team faced a keen problem that required immediate attention and innovative solutions."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And unlike dogs, it seems that dolphins are keen problem solvers.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You start to develop a keen eye for problem solving and start to try to identify new ways to implement changes that could possibly save the employees of the company time and save the company money".

Huffington Post

Goode is a businessman, keen to solve problems, not an "endangered-tortoise technocrat" — as his foundation's chief scientist, Ross Kiester, calls those who find their calling jealously administering species-protection programs.

The New Yorker

His father was a consulting engineer, but the younger Heede wasn't keen on "fixing problems that should not have been created in the first place"—which, he admits, is exactly what he's doing these days.

Science Magazine

Solutionists do not limit themselves to fixing the problems of individuals; they are as keen to fix the problems of institutions.

The New York Times

Gang injunctions are likely to get a closer look in the coming year as the Obama administration has taken a keen interest in the problem of gang violence.

The New York Times

We will continue to pursue fair pay settlements in future and are keen to address the problem of wage anomalies and inequities that occur in many departments.

The Guardian

A serious note was sounded later by Martino who said Di Maria's injured foot had required x-rays though he was keen to downplay the problem, and the player was later seen walking away without impediment from the stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

In other words, Leibniz was keen to answer the problem of evil.

SEP

The government is keen to solve the problem of dropped calls and unsent texts and is currently considering the idea of making operators share 2G networks as a way of solving it.

BBC

The fact that the target of the attack was a gas plant operated in part by foreign companies may have made Algeria particularly keen to tackle the problem on its own terms.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "acute issue" or "pressing challenge" if you aim for clarity and widespread understanding, as "keen problem" is not a standard expression.

Common error

Avoid using "keen problem" if you intend to convey enthusiasm for solving a problem. The adjective "keen" primarily signifies intensity or sharpness in this context, so it can be easily mistaken as eagerness to face a negative situation. Use "challenging problem" to clarify enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "keen" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI explains that it describes a problem of intense or sharp nature, even if this is not its most common use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keen problem" is grammatically correct but not a standard expression, as Ludwig AI highlighted, which may lead to confusion. It is used to describe a problem of intense or sharp nature, although "keen" is more commonly associated with enthusiasm. Its usage is relatively rare, appearing mostly in News & Media and Science contexts. For clarity, consider alternatives like "acute issue" or "pressing challenge". Although grammatically sound, it may require careful contextualization to prevent misinterpretation. Given its ambiguity, adopting more common and precise alternatives is often advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute issue

Replaces "keen" with "acute", focusing on the severity and urgency of the problem rather than the enthusiasm in addressing it.

challenging issue

Focuses on the demanding nature of the problem, portraying it as something that requires significant effort to resolve.

pressing challenge

Emphasizes the urgency and difficulty of the problem, shifting the focus from enthusiasm to the demanding nature of the situation.

urgent difficulty

Highlights the time-sensitive nature and problematic aspect. "Urgent" replaces "keen" to focus on the temporal aspect.

significant concern

Indicates a noteworthy problem, focusing on its importance rather than the approach to solving it.

major obstacle

Describes the problem as a substantial impediment, removing the connotation of eagerness or sharpness.

vexing question

Highlights the puzzling and frustrating aspects of the problem, rather than an enthusiastic approach.

thorny subject

Indicates a sensitive and complex problem, often one that is difficult to discuss or resolve.

delicate matter

Suggests a problem that requires careful handling, often due to potential negative consequences.

serious predicament

Emphasizes the gravity and difficulty of the situation, often implying a challenging or dangerous circumstance.

FAQs

Is "keen problem" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keen problem" is grammatically correct, but it's not a commonly used phrase. According to Ludwig, it could cause confusion because "keen" typically refers to enthusiasm or eagerness, whereas here, it's used to describe the intensity or sharpness of the problem itself.

What does "keen" mean in "keen problem"?

In the phrase "keen problem", "keen" means intense, sharp, or acute, not enthusiastic. It's used to emphasize the severity of the problem.

What are some alternatives to "keen problem"?

Some alternatives to "keen problem" include "acute issue", "pressing challenge", or "urgent difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "keen problem"?

You should avoid using "keen problem" if you want to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretation. The phrase is not widely recognized, and the primary association of "keen" is with enthusiasm, which can be misleading. Alternatives are generally preferred for broader understanding.