keenness to develop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keenness to develop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for growth or improvement in a particular area. Example: "Her keenness to develop her skills in programming has led her to take several online courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although he had a longstanding relationship with the Anthony Reynolds Gallery in London, his keenness to develop new ways of working led to residencies with, among others, Tyne-Tees Television (1985) and Durham Cathedral (1994-95).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hence Apple's keenness to get a head-start.

The Economist

Yet, remarkably enough, the buyers' keenness to acquire anything considered desirable became clear within minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

In your keenness to get big American stars have you become too commercial?

The Guardian - Music

There is evident keenness to get to the vote before too long.

The Guardian

Make the most of any gaps in study or summer holidays to complete work placements, because that shows a keenness to get ahead and learn.

The Guardian

His newly appointed (and fourth) defence minister, Gilberto Echeverri, is considered better placed than most men in power to initiate a peace process, and has expressed his keenness to get talks going again.

The Economist

The English bank clerk is as good material as is to be found anywhere in the world, if only he is encouraged to develop himself and take an interest in his work, by being plainly shown that keenness is wanted, recognised, and rewarded.

The Economist

The promising response of the female community volunteers in Makwanpur and their keenness to help in preventing injuries could be the starting point for developing a community-based child injury prevention programme.

BMC Public Health

Humility and a keenness to learn helps too.

The Guardian - Opinion

His keenness to spin a good yarn sometimes pushed him into the realm of cliché.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keenness to develop" to express a proactive and enthusiastic attitude towards personal or professional growth. It suggests not just an interest, but an eagerness to improve and evolve.

Common error

While "keenness" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it, especially in close proximity to other similar terms. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. For example, consider using words like "enthusiasm", "eagerness", or "desire" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keenness to develop" functions as a noun phrase expressing a strong desire or enthusiasm for growth or improvement. Ludwig confirms its usability, denoting a proactive attitude towards evolving skills or capabilities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keenness to develop" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey enthusiasm and proactive interest in growth or improvement. Ludwig's analysis, along with the example provided by The Guardian, indicates that while not exceedingly common, it's a usable and appropriate expression in formal to neutral contexts. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight someone's eagerness to evolve and enhance their skills or capabilities. While perfectly correct it should not be overused, you can find appropriate alternatives such as "eagerness for development" or "desire to improve".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerness for development

Replaces "keenness" with "eagerness", a synonym, and maintains the core meaning.

enthusiasm for growth

Substitutes "keenness" with "enthusiasm" and "develop" with "growth", conveying a similar sentiment.

desire to improve

Uses "desire" in place of "keenness" and "improve" instead of "develop", focusing on the act of betterment.

commitment to progress

Emphasizes dedication to advancement, replacing the more emotional "keenness" with the more resolute "commitment".

passion for advancement

Highlights a strong feeling of enthusiasm for moving forward.

zeal to evolve

Uses "zeal" to convey intense enthusiasm and "evolve" as a synonym for "develop", suggesting a gradual process of change.

ambition to expand

Focuses on the desire for enlargement or extension, substituting "develop" with "expand".

drive to advance

Highlights the internal motivation to move forward, replacing "keenness" with "drive".

interest in fostering growth

Shifts the focus to nurturing growth, using a more active verb, "fostering".

inclination to cultivate

Implies a tendency to nurture and refine, using "cultivate" as a substitute for "develop".

FAQs

How can I use "keenness to develop" in a sentence?

You can use "keenness to develop" to describe someone's proactive interest in growth or improvement, as in "Her "keenness to develop" new skills made her a valuable asset to the team".

What are some alternatives to "keenness to develop"?

Some alternatives include "eagerness for development", "enthusiasm for growth", or "desire to improve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "keenness to develop" formal or informal?

"Keenness to develop" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts. It is not overly colloquial, but also not so technical that it would be out of place in general writing.

What does "keenness to develop" imply about a person or organization?

It suggests a proactive and enthusiastic approach towards growth and improvement. It implies a willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve, indicating a positive and forward-thinking mindset.