keen to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express eagerness or enthusiasm to do something. Example: "She is keen to start her new job and make a positive impact on the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm keen to visit Beijing.

Independent

Someone keen to save cash.

Independent

They weren't keen to talk.

The New York Times

Banks are keen to lend.

The Economist

Many are keen to move into Europe.

The Economist

Businessmen are impressed and keen to invest.

The Economist

We are keen to return to negotiations.

Independent

He was not keen to listen.

The New York Times

But he is keen to plant churches.

The Economist

Nor would they be keen to oblige.

The Economist

But they all seem keen to try.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen to" to express genuine enthusiasm or eagerness for a particular action. It's suitable for many contexts, from informal to professional.

Common error

While versatile, repeatedly using "keen to" in formal documents can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language with synonyms like "eager", "willing", or more context-specific alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating their eagerness or willingness to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express eagerness or willingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression found across various sources, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for most situations, varying your language in formal writing may enhance the sophistication of your work. Remember to use "keen to" when you want to convey genuine enthusiasm for an upcoming action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to

Indicates a strong desire or enthusiasm, similar to "keen to" but potentially implying a higher degree of anticipation.

enthusiastic about

Shifts the focus to the feeling of enthusiasm rather than the willingness to act.

willing to

Focuses more on the readiness to do something, lacking the strong enthusiasm implied by "keen to".

inclined to

Suggests a leaning towards something, similar to "disposed to" but slightly less formal.

disposed to

A more formal alternative suggesting a tendency or inclination, less about immediate enthusiasm.

game for

An informal way of expressing willingness and enthusiasm, suitable for casual contexts.

anxious to

Implies a sense of worry or nervousness mixed with eagerness, adding a layer of complexity not present in "keen to".

longing to

Emphasizes a deep desire or yearning, a stronger sentiment than "keen to".

desirous of

A formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a wish or desire.

set on

Implies a firm decision and determination to achieve something, which goes beyond merely being "keen".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "keen to"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to", "willing to", or "enthusiastic about" depending on the context.

How do I use "keen to" in a sentence?

"Keen to" is typically followed by a verb in its base form. For example: "She is keen to learn new skills" or "They are keen to support the initiative".

Is "keen on" the same as "keen to"?

While both express enthusiasm, "keen on" is followed by a noun or gerund (verb + -ing), expressing interest in something, while "keen to" is followed by a verb, expressing eagerness to do something. For example, "I'm keen on photography" versus "I'm keen to take photos".

Which is more formal, "keen to" or "eager to"?

"Keen to" and "eager to" are generally interchangeable and have similar levels of formality. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.