keen to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen to try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express enthusiasm or eagerness to attempt something. Example: "I am keen to try the new restaurant that just opened downtown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they all seem keen to try.

The Economist

American stationery discounters are also keen to try their luck.

The Economist

I am also keen to try the new river cruise along Sarawak's rivers.

Independent

"In general people are really keen to try it," she says.

The Guardian

Andy Cross, the managing director of recruitment firm Ambition, is also keen to try anonymous recruiting.

The Guardian

Few seem keen to try much harder now.There is, however, no lack of ideas for making a greener world.

The Economist

Always keen to try new experiences, she said this one was "completely surreal, like nothing I've ever done before".

Independent

Enthusiasts keen to try subsequent vehicles face a long wait; there'll be another bus along in a fortnight.

Independent

But having experienced the trauma of the desert journey once on the way up, Mbalo wasn't keen to try it again.

The Guardian

Dry ski slopes, indoor snow domes and skateboard parks across the country will no doubt see an influx of young people keen to try a new sport.

The Guardian - Sport

I would urge those who aren't too keen to try and stick with it because the book reaches some really interesting developments, but only in the later stages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen to try" when expressing genuine enthusiasm for attempting something new. It conveys a stronger sense of excitement than simply being "willing" or "ready."

Common error

While "keen to try" is widely acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "desirous of experiencing" or "inclined to examine" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen to try" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing their eagerness or willingness to attempt something. This is reinforced by Ludwig, indicating its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen to try" is a common and correct phrase used to express enthusiasm and willingness to attempt something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, with primary usage in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context and opt for more formal alternatives when necessary. Remember to express genuine excitement when using the phrase and avoid overuse in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to attempt

Replaces "keen" with "eager", emphasizing enthusiasm for trying.

willing to undertake

Substitutes "keen" with "willing" and "try" with "undertake", indicating readiness to start something.

enthusiastic about experimenting

Replaces the infinitive "to try" with "experimenting", highlighting the exploratory aspect.

disposed to sample

Suggests an inclination to test or experience something new, especially food or products.

game for testing

Implies a readiness and excitement to test something out.

inclined to examine

Indicates a tendency to investigate or scrutinize something.

up for giving it a shot

Replaces "keen to try" with an informal idiom, suggesting a willingness to attempt something.

desirous of experiencing

Replaces "keen to try" with a formal expression, emphasizing a wish to have experience of something

predisposed to explore

Indicates a previous disposition to investigate or become familiar with a new area.

ready to delve into

Indicates a readiness to investigate or research something thoroughly.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "keen to try" something?

Being "keen to try" something means you are enthusiastic and eager to attempt or experience it. It implies a positive attitude and willingness to engage in a new activity or situation.

What can I say instead of "keen to try"?

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

Is "keen to try" formal or informal?

"Keen to try" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist, such as "desirous of experiencing".

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

You can use "keen to try" in a sentence to express your enthusiasm for a new experience. For example, "I am keen to try the new restaurant downtown" or "The students are keen to try the new science experiment."