keen sense

USAGE SUMMARY

'keen sense' is a correct phrase in English and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who has an excellent ability to perceive things. For example: "She had a keen sense of smell and could immediately identify the different spices used in the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or a keen sense of humor.

The New York Times

They exhibit a keen sense of timing.

The New York Times

Some possess a keen sense of righteousness.

The New York Times

Grillo has a keen sense of humour.

The Guardian - Arts

More like mischievous, with a keen sense of disruption.

The New York Times - Arts

Enhancing that focus is a keen sense of cultural identity.

The New York Times - Sports

Mike has a darting intelligence, a keen sense of humour.

The Guardian - Film

Orwell also displayed a keen sense of humour.

Independent

Washington, indeed, had a keen sense of this game plan.

The New York Times - Sports

But they have a keen sense of their comparative advantage.

The Economist

The Burmese bath daily & have a keen sense of humor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen sense" to describe someone's ability to quickly and accurately understand or perceive something, such as "a keen sense of humor" or "a keen sense of direction".

Common error

Avoid using "keen sense" with physical attributes that do not involve perception. For instance, it is more appropriate to say "strong physique" rather than "keen sense of physique".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen sense" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. It characterizes the noun with the quality of being sharp, perceptive, or highly developed. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keen sense" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a sharp or well-developed ability to perceive, understand, or appreciate something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse fields, predominantly in News & Media. The analysis reveals that it serves to highlight an individual's exceptional skill or intuition. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "sharp perception" or "acute awareness" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "keen sense", avoid applying it to physical attributes unrelated to perception; maintain it for abilities involving understanding or awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp perception

Focuses on the acuity of the perception rather than the general ability.

acute awareness

Emphasizes a heightened state of consciousness or understanding.

astute judgment

Highlights the ability to make wise and discerning decisions.

perceptive insight

Stresses the depth and understanding gained from observations.

profound understanding

Indicates a deep and thorough comprehension of a subject.

remarkable intuition

Suggests an instinctive and insightful understanding.

exceptional discernment

Highlights the ability to distinguish subtle differences or make fine distinctions.

outstanding insight

Emphasizes the quality of having a deep understanding.

strong intuition

Focuses on the instinctive nature of the understanding.

sensitive appreciation

Highlights a refined understanding and valuing of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "keen sense" to describe someone's sharp ability to perceive or understand something. For example, "She has a keen sense of observation" or "He displayed a keen sense of the market trends".

What's the difference between "keen sense" and "strong sense"?

"Keen sense" implies a higher degree of sharpness and accuracy in perception, whereas "strong sense" simply indicates a powerful or pronounced feeling or understanding.

What can I say instead of "keen sense"?

You can use alternatives like "sharp perception", "acute awareness", or "astute judgment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "keen sense of" followed by an abstract noun?

Yes, it is correct. "Keen sense" is often used with abstract nouns to describe someone's developed ability to understand or appreciate something, such as "keen sense of justice" or "keen sense of humor".