keener

USAGE SUMMARY

'keener' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun and can be used to describe someone who is eager, enthusiastic, or eager to learn. It is most commonly used in British English and is considered informal or colloquial. Example: She was always a keener in school, always raising her hand to answer questions and staying after class to ask for more information.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AMC's Stillerman bats away such concerns, keener to talk about new scripts that Mad Men's success has pulled in to the channel.

The Guardian

It reminds me of the difference in tactics between Outrage – fans of direct action against, for example, bishops – and Stonewall, keener to make quiet political alliances in the service of long-term change.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's better", according to the latter – but then Hartnett's Italian family is based in Emilia-Romagna, while Carluccio grew up in Piedmont, so they're bound to be keener on risotto than your average Sicilian.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both lines of thinking miss what keener observers believe is Xiaomi's true character, and its ambition: to become China's biggest provider of internet-connected devices to an eager, ever loyal, following drawn from a young demographic numbering hundreds of millions who will soon be outfitting their first homes – and looking for a brand to help furnish it.

The Guardian - Tech

The film itself pulls off an unexpectedly deft balance too, smartening up its riotous gross-out material with sharper, tarter character comedy, as their ongoing war against the fratboys forces the older couple to admit to their own spent youth – it's a keener, rowdier reflection on the American manchild complex than any of Judd Apatow's drippy recent efforts.

The Guardian - Film

Whereas its leaders in Gaza spoiled previous agreements, it is the keener side on this one.

The Economist

Other radicals were better informed, but keener to shut things down (see article).

The Economist

Eager for immigrant members, unions are keener on immigration reform than in the past (in 2007 they helped kill a reform plan rather than accept a guest-worker scheme).

The Economist

Most of those seem keener on expanding globally than on building factories at home.

The Economist

Mr Abe's current cabinet contains some ministers who were picked chiefly as a reward for supporting his unexpectedly successful bid for the party's leadership last year; a new cabinet may well contain keener reformers.

The Economist

IN A region of military dictators and authoritarian monarchs, Qatar is the one country where the ruler may be even keener on democracy than his subjects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keener", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended degree of eagerness or sharpness. It's most effective when comparing two subjects or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "keener" when a simple adjective like "keen" suffices. "He is keener" implies a comparison, while "He is keen" simply describes his enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keener" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by expressing a higher degree of a quality, such as enthusiasm or sharpness, as shown in the Ludwig examples. It is often followed by "than" to introduce the element being compared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keener" functions as a comparative adjective, indicating a higher degree of enthusiasm or sharpness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure "keener" is used in a comparative context, and consider synonyms like "more eager" or "more enthusiastic" for nuanced expression. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more eager

Direct synonym indicating a higher level of eagerness.

more enthusiastic

Emphasizes increased enthusiasm.

more interested

Highlights a greater level of interest.

more inclined

Suggests a stronger tendency or preference.

more disposed

Similar to 'more inclined', but with a nuance of readiness.

sharper

Focuses on enhanced acuity or intelligence.

more perceptive

Highlights a better understanding or insight.

more acute

Indicates a more intense or severe awareness.

more astute

Emphasizes shrewdness and cleverness.

more fervent

Highlights passionate intensity.

FAQs

How is "keener" typically used in a sentence?

"Keener" is used to compare two things, indicating that one has a greater degree of enthusiasm or sharpness than the other. For example, "She is "keener on the idea" than I am."

What are some alternatives to using "keener"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more eager", "more enthusiastic", or "more interested".

When is it appropriate to use "keener" instead of "keen"?

Use "keener" when you are making a comparison between two subjects or two levels of enthusiasm. Use "keen" when you are simply describing someone or something as enthusiastic or sharp without comparison.

Is "keener" formal or informal?

"Keener" is generally considered to be neutral in register. While not overly formal, it is suitable for use in news articles, professional writing, and general conversation. More formal contexts might benefit from a more precise synonym such as "more astute" or "more perceptive".