keen to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

'keen to learn' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is eager to gain knowledge, experience or skills. Example: He was so keen to learn about the latest trends in the industry that he bought every book he could find.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is also keen to learn.

The Guardian

He is a modern-type player and keen to learn".

The Guardian - Sport

"He is very passionate about the game and keen to learn.

The Guardian - Sport

Remi, however, is entranced, and keen to learn more about his faithful friend.

The New Yorker

It has been approached by several western countries, keen to learn from its expertise.

The Guardian

New to Formula 1 but keen to learn more?

BBC

"They're just so keen to learn".

The Guardian - Travel

"Those individuals are very keen to learn.

The Guardian - Business

Be enthusiastic, professional and keen to learn.

The Guardian

He was always very keen to learn.

The Guardian

The children are keen to learn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keen to learn" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the overall tone. While acceptable, consider whether a more formal alternative like "desirous of learning" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "keen to learn" in highly formal documents like academic papers or legal briefs. While grammatically correct, it may come across as slightly informal. Opt for alternatives like "motivated to acquire knowledge" or "desirous of further understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen to learn" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, followed by an infinitive. It describes someone's eagerness or enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge or developing skills. Ludwig provides many examples confirming this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keen to learn" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that effectively conveys enthusiasm and eagerness for acquiring new knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less common in highly formal or scientific writing. With the phrase being "very common", you can use alternatives like "eager to learn", or "willing to learn", depending on the nuance you want to express. Be aware of the register and choose the most appropriate phrase based on the formality of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to learn

Similar in meaning, but perhaps conveys a slightly stronger sense of enthusiasm.

enthusiastic about learning

Highlights the positive and excited feelings associated with the learning process.

willing to learn

Indicates a readiness and acceptance to learn, potentially lacking the proactive enthusiasm of "keen to learn".

motivated to learn

Focuses on the internal drive and reasons behind wanting to learn.

desirous of learning

More formal and emphasizes a strong wish or desire to learn.

hungry to learn

Emphasizes a strong craving or need for knowledge.

inspired to learn

Suggests that something has sparked a desire to learn, often something external.

interested in learning

Implies curiosity and attention towards learning, but not necessarily active participation or eagerness.

curious to learn

Highlights inquisitiveness as the primary driver for seeking knowledge.

anxious to learn

Implies a sense of eagerness mixed with a slight unease or anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "keen to learn" to describe someone's eagerness to acquire new knowledge or skills. For example: "He is "keen to learn" new programming languages."

What are some alternatives to "keen to learn"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "eager to learn", "willing to learn", or "interested in learning".

Is "keen to learn" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "keen to learn" might be perceived as slightly informal in very formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "desirous of learning" or "motivated to acquire knowledge".

What's the difference between "keen to learn" and "willing to learn"?

"Keen to learn" implies a stronger sense of enthusiasm and proactive interest, while "willing to learn" simply suggests a readiness and acceptance to learn.