keenness on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keenness on" is not grammatically correct and is not typically used in written English.
A more appropriate phrase that conveys a similar meaning is "keenness for" or "keenness about." For example, you could say: "He demonstrated a keenness about economics."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But her keenness on the referendums has put them off.

The Economist

Nothing rings true: the TV shows, the popularity of Mike, the doctor's keenness on Abby.

The Guardian - Film

He was three tables along, sitting with monstrous keenness on the very edge of a plastic chair.

The New Yorker

For all his keenness on private participation in the public sector, he has a better reputation among trade unions than did his predecessor.

The Economist

America also thinks that the EU's keenness on talks about investment and competition is a ruse to delay serious negotiations on agriculture.

The Economist

Mohammed el-Beltagy, a member of Parliament with the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, said the selection of the government reflected a "keenness on ensuring pluralism".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

By now playing regularly for Kirkheaton Second XI, Rhodes's keenness to reach one game on time led him to ring the off-duty bell before the end of the shift and as a result he lost his job.

Wikipedia

Ronan Hegarty, news editor of The Grocer magazine, describes Graves as "almost the cliche of the no-nonsense Yorkshireman" and has not been surprised by his keenness to be hands-on at the ECB.

BBC

And given the keenness of Citigroup to move on from its £2.2bn EMI lending disaster - and Warner fresh with new capital, the two sides could reach a deal that the European Commission might actually accept (about 11 years after the last one went in the bin).

The Guardian

Put an outspoken democrat in charge, deprive critics of their strongest point, his own authoritarian use of power and his keenness to hang on to it, and he may convince others that they can safely let him do so.

The Economist

In a brief speech, she stressed her keenness to get on with shaping a "deep and special" future partnership as quickly as possible, leaving no doubt that she believes she was "on course to deliver Brexit".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing enthusiasm, consider stronger alternatives like "zeal" or "passion" for increased impact.

Common error

Avoid using "keenness on" in academic papers or professional reports. While it appears in some publications, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and could detract from your credibility. Opt for alternatives like "keenness for" or "enthusiasm about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keenness on" functions primarily as a noun phrase intended to express enthusiasm or interest towards something. However, it's essential to note that Ludwig AI flags this phrase as grammatically incorrect, suggesting alternatives like "keenness for" or "keenness about".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "keenness on" is relatively common, particularly in News & Media, Wikipedia, and Science contexts, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests using "keenness for" or "keenness about" instead. When writing, especially in formal contexts, it's advisable to opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "enthusiasm for", "dedication to", or "zeal for" to ensure clarity and credibility. Despite its frequent use, prioritizing grammatical accuracy enhances the overall quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerness for

Stresses anticipation and willingness, focusing on a forward-looking perspective.

enthusiasm for

Emphasizes a strong feeling of excitement or eagerness, differing in the preposition used.

interest in

Denotes a state of wanting to know about something or someone, being a more general term.

zeal for

Highlights fervent or passionate devotion, carrying a stronger connotation than the original phrase.

passion for

Indicates an intense emotion compelling interest, suggesting deeper engagement than mere keenness.

dedication to

Implies commitment and devoted service, emphasizing long-term focus and loyalty.

devotion to

Conveys deep affection and loyalty, often with a sense of reverence or strong commitment.

fondness for

Suggests affection or liking, indicating a positive sentiment but less intense than passion.

appetite for

Implies a strong desire or craving, suggesting a hunger or strong need for something.

inclination towards

Signifies a natural tendency or preference, focusing on a leaning rather than intense enthusiasm.

FAQs

Is "keenness on" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "keenness on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "keenness for" or "keenness about".

What's a more formal alternative to "keenness on"?

Consider using alternatives such as "enthusiasm for", "dedication to", or "zeal for" depending on the context.

How can I use "enthusiasm for" in a sentence instead of "keenness on"?

Instead of saying "He showed keenness on the project", you could say "He showed "enthusiasm for" the project".

What is the difference between "keenness for" and "keenness about"?

Both "keenness for" and "keenness about" are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "keenness for" is generally used to express a desire for something, while "keenness about" is used to express excitement or interest in a topic.