not so keen

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so keen" is a perfectly legitimate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are not enthusiastic about something. For example, "I'm not so keen on going to the movies tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not so keen on the rhymes, though.

Independent

He's not so keen now.

The New Yorker

"Yeah, I'm not so keen on them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arda Turan is not so keen.

The Guardian - Sport

Her husband is not so keen.

The Times

Yeah, they're not so keen on that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Winston's a water lover but Barley's not so keen.

Independent

I'm not so keen on the old Star Wars films.

The Guardian

Gayle's not so keen on this running malarkey, it seems.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm not so keen on your idea," he said.

The New Yorker

For those not so keen on government mandates, there is consumer pressure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so keen" to express a mild aversion or lack of enthusiasm, especially when you want to be polite or avoid strong negative language.

Common error

While "not so keen" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its slightly informal tone. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "unenthusiastic" or "disinclined" for a more professional feel.

Linguistic Context

"Not so keen" functions as an adjective phrase indicating a mild lack of enthusiasm or disinclination. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a sentiment that is less intense than dislike but stronger than indifference. Ludwig provides many examples from news sources and other sources to confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not so keen" is a versatile phrase used to express a mild lack of enthusiasm or disinclination. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and choose more Formal and Scientific alternatives like "unenthusiastic" for professional or academic writing. When a more relaxed tone is suitable, options like "not really into it" can be used. Remember to use "not so keen" when you want to politely soften your lack of enthusiasm, avoiding stronger negative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unenthusiastic

Indicates a mild degree of disinterest, similar to "not so keen" but slightly more formal.

not particularly enthusiastic

Emphasizes a lack of strong enthusiasm, similar to "not so keen" but slightly more formal.

not a big fan

A common, informal expression indicating a lack of preference or liking.

not inclined to

Emphasizes a lack of willingness or motivation to do something.

not really into it

A more casual and informal way to express a lack of interest.

don't care for

A polite way of expressing dislike or a lack of interest.

less than thrilled

Highlights a subdued or negative reaction, implying disappointment rather than mere disinterest.

not exactly overjoyed

Similar to 'less than thrilled' but emphasizes a lack of happiness or excitement.

not my cup of tea

An idiomatic expression indicating something is not to one's personal taste or preference.

find it unappealing

Focuses on the characteristic of something being unattractive or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not so keen" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "unenthusiastic", "disinclined", or "reluctant" to express a similar meaning with greater formality.

What's a more casual way to say "not so keen"?

For informal situations, try "not really into it", "not a big fan", or "don't care for" to convey the same sentiment in a relaxed manner.

Is "not so keen" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not so keen" is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous real-world examples.

When is it appropriate to use "not so keen"?

"Not so keen" is suitable when you want to express a mild lack of enthusiasm or a polite aversion. It's best used in neutral to informal contexts.