keen to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"keen to do" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally speaking, you would use this phrase in situations where someone is excited and eager to do something. For example: "She was keen to do whatever she could to help the cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he was not keen to do much about it.

Independent

Jeremy keen to do it before if possible though.

The Guardian

He's so hungry to learn and keen to do well.

The Guardian - Sport

Are you keen to do more vampire roles?

The Guardian

As a result, they are well motivated and keen to do well," the inspectors said.

Independent

The well-bred adulterer is a banker, keen to do a deal with them.

The New York Times

She is also really keen to do the right thing.

European Journal of Futures Research

"She's not really keen to do it.

BMJ Open

Neither seems keen to do so.

The Guardian

I'm more keen to do something personal….

The New Yorker

Pearson is keen to do more acting.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "keen to do" with adverbs like "very", "really", or "desperately" to amplify the level of enthusiasm.

Common error

While "keen to do" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "motivated", "determined", or "eager" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen to do" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating their eagerness or willingness to perform a specific action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in expressing enthusiasm and proactive intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keen to do" is a common and grammatically correct way to express eagerness and willingness to perform an action. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts, with News & Media being its most frequent domain. Alternative phrases such as "eager to do" or "willing to do" can be used for varying degrees of formality or emphasis. Remember to avoid overusing "keen to do" in highly formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to do

Indicates a strong desire or enthusiasm to do something; slightly more intense than "keen to do".

enthusiastic about doing

Highlights the positive feeling and excitement associated with doing something.

willing to do

Implies readiness and consent to do something; less about enthusiasm and more about agreement.

have a strong desire to do

Expresses a powerful wish or ambition, often more deliberate than "keen to do".

anxious to do

Suggests eagerness mixed with a hint of worry or anticipation.

motivated to do

Emphasizes the driving force or reason behind wanting to do something.

desirous of doing

Formal and emphasizes a strong wish or longing to do something.

inclined to do

Suggests a predisposition or tendency to do something; less forceful than "keen to do".

longing to do

Indicates a heartfelt desire or yearning to do something.

predisposed to do

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination, often based on previous experiences.

FAQs

What does "keen to do" mean?

The phrase "keen to do" means eager, enthusiastic, or willing to do something. It expresses a positive attitude and a readiness to take action.

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

You can use "keen to do" to describe someone's eagerness or willingness. For example: "She was "eager to do" her best on the project" or "He is "very keen to learn" new skills".

What are some alternatives to "keen to do"?

Some alternatives to "keen to do" include "eager to do", "willing to do", "anxious to do", or "enthusiastic about doing" depending on the context.

Is "keen to do" formal or informal?

"Keen to do" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for most everyday conversations and writing, but might be replaced with a more formal option like "motivated" or "determined" in academic or business contexts.