most keenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most keenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong or intense degree of awareness, perception, or feeling about something. Example: "She felt the loss of her friend most keenly during the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where are those cuts felt most keenly?

The Guardian - Opinion

The pain is felt most keenly in smaller towns.

The Economist

Yet the effect may be felt most keenly in Pakistan.

The Economist

Workers in manufacturing have felt these changes most keenly.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is supermarket purists' most keenly watched figure.

The Guardian - Business

Where strong leadership could have had the greatest impact its absence is most keenly felt.

The Economist

But Marley's importance is perhaps felt most keenly of all in Africa.

Independent

This is surely the most keenly awaited inaugural speech in modern US history, perhaps ever.

Independent

THE human cost of the recession is felt most keenly by the unemployed.

The Economist

It is being felt most keenly in the techniques for making and marketing wine.

The Economist

Whatever gains are secured, it is loss the veteran remembers most keenly.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most keenly" to emphasize the intensity with which something is felt or anticipated. It adds a degree of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "most keenly" in very casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "most strongly" or "really" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most keenly" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the verb it modifies to emphasize the strength or sharpness of a feeling, perception, or anticipation. Ludwig's examples show it often modifies verbs related to feeling, anticipating, or experiencing something intensely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most keenly" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to emphasize the intensity of a feeling or anticipation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is both grammatically sound and appropriate for usage in written English. It finds frequent application in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. While not strictly formal, it adds a level of sophistication and precision to expression, signifying a strong and sharp awareness. When aiming for simplicity, alternatives like "most strongly" or "most intensely" can effectively convey similar meaning. Given its consistent use across varied authoritative sources, understanding how "most keenly" functions is valuable for refining written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most intensely

Focuses on the intensity of the feeling or experience.

most acutely

Emphasizes a sharp or severe awareness.

most deeply

Highlights the profound nature of the feeling or impact.

most strongly

Indicates the power or force of the feeling or effect.

most eagerly

Emphasizes a sense of enthusiastic anticipation.

with greatest enthusiasm

Shifts the focus to the level of excitement or passion.

with utmost interest

Highlights the level of attention or curiosity.

most passionately

Focuses on the fervent or zealous nature of the feeling.

with the keenest interest

Uses a different structure while retaining the core meaning of sharp interest.

to the greatest extent

Focuses on the degree or magnitude of something.

FAQs

How can I use "most keenly" in a sentence?

You can use "most keenly" to express a strong or intense degree of feeling or awareness, for example, "The effects of the policy change were felt "most keenly" by small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "most keenly"?

Some alternatives to "most keenly" include "most intensely", "most acutely", or "most deeply", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "most keenly" formal or informal?

"Most keenly" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "most keenly" and "most strongly"?

"Most keenly" suggests a sharp or intense awareness or feeling, while "most strongly" emphasizes the power or force of a feeling or effect. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.