seem keen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem keen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone appears to be enthusiastic or eager about something. Example: "She seems keen to start the new project and contribute her ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they all seem keen to try.

The Economist

At the moment they seem keen to.

The Economist

OPEC, however, does not seem keen to cut output.

The New Yorker

He doesn't seem keen for them to find out.

Independent

Investors seem keen to hedge against all outcomes.

The Economist

Most people seem keen to get rid of him.

The Economist

And Bewkes doesn't seem keen on breaking up the company.

The Guardian - Tech

They did not seem keen to use these assumptions.

The Guardian

They seem keen to resist a hike this year.

The Guardian - Business

But AT&T doesn't seem keen to throw in the towel just yet.

The Economist

But then again, Ford doesn't exactly seem keen to be part of the franchise anymore.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem keen" to convey a sense of mild enthusiasm or willingness, especially when you want to avoid sounding overly zealous. For stronger enthusiasm, consider alternatives like "appear eager".

Common error

While "seem keen" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less assertive. In business or academic settings, opt for phrases like "demonstrate a strong interest" or "express willingness" for a more professional feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem keen" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate a perceived disposition or attitude toward something. It suggests that someone or something gives the impression of being enthusiastic or interested. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem keen" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe someone's apparent enthusiasm or willingness. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. While suitable for most situations, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in certain professional contexts. Remember to consider the nuances of your intended meaning to choose the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear eager

Replaces "seem" with "appear" and "keen" with "eager", offering a slightly more formal tone.

appear enthusiastic

Substitutes "keen" with "enthusiastic", conveying a stronger sense of excitement.

show enthusiasm

Shifts from a passive observation ("seem") to an active display of enthusiasm.

express interest

Focuses on the expression of interest rather than the intensity of feeling.

be inclined

Indicates a disposition or tendency towards something, rather than explicit eagerness.

be disposed

A more formal way of saying "be inclined", suggesting a readiness to do something.

look forward to

Expresses anticipation and pleasure regarding a future event.

be willing

Indicates a readiness to do something if asked, without necessarily showing eagerness.

be game

An informal way of expressing willingness to participate in something.

take interest

To start being involved or affiliated to something.

FAQs

How can I use "seem keen" in a sentence?

You can use "seem keen" to describe someone who appears enthusiastic or interested in something, such as "The students "seem keen" to learn more about the project".

What are some alternatives to "seem keen"?

Alternatives include "appear eager", "appear enthusiastic", or "express interest" depending on the level of enthusiasm you want to convey.

Is "seem keen" formal or informal?

"Seem keen" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for most contexts. However, in very formal situations, stronger expressions of interest might be preferable.

What's the difference between "seem keen" and "be interested in"?

"Seem keen" suggests an outward appearance of enthusiasm, while "be interested in" indicates an internal state of curiosity or concern. Someone might "seem keen" to participate in a project without necessarily being deeply interested in its subject matter.