very keen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very keen" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is enthusiastic and eager. For example, "Janet was very keen to start her new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was going for it, very keen.

The Guardian

Well, they're not very keen on aliens.

The Times

She was also very keen on shopping, and very keen on cash.

Independent

Hanson's family are very keen on food.

The Guardian - Books

I'm not very keen on these ideas.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was very keen on his PR, Monty".

Independent

Actually the Laotians aren't very keen on warfare.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, American executives aren't very keen on the idea.

Independent

"The college is very keen on its role models".

BBC

"It's not only Celtic, but Besiktas are also very keen.

BBC

Are they very keen on their self-image?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; while "very keen" is widely understood, more direct synonyms like "enthusiastic" or "eager" may be preferred in some situations.

Common error

While "very keen" is perfectly acceptable, excessive repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "extremely enthusiastic" or "highly interested" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very keen" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a high degree of enthusiasm or interest. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes someone who is enthusiastic and eager. The examples on Ludwig show varied usage, emphasizing its role in conveying eagerness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very keen" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express strong enthusiasm or interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an effective way to describe someone who is eager. While mostly used in neutral to slightly informal contexts, primarily within News & Media, it's important to consider the audience and choose synonyms such as "extremely enthusiastic" or "highly interested" depending on the formality required. Overusing it can lead to monotony, so diversifying vocabulary is recommended. Overall, "very keen" is a reliable phrase for conveying enthusiasm in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiastic

A more straightforward synonym for "very keen".

eager

A simpler, more direct way to express enthusiasm.

extremely enthusiastic

Intensifies the level of enthusiasm compared to "very keen".

highly interested

Focuses on the interest aspect, suitable when enthusiasm is less pronounced.

passionate

Implies a deeper, more intense level of interest and commitment.

wild about

An informal way to express strong liking and enthusiasm.

crazy about

An even more informal way to express very strong liking and enthusiasm.

devoted

Suggests a dedicated commitment, going beyond mere interest.

extremely desirous

A more formal way to express wanting something a great deal.

earnestly inclined

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to convey serious interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "very keen" to express enthusiasm or strong interest. For example, "She was "very keen" to join the team" or "They are "very keen" on the idea".

What are some alternatives to saying "very keen"?

Alternatives include "enthusiastic", "eager", "highly interested", or "extremely enthusiastic", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "very keen" formal or informal?

"Very keen" falls somewhere in the middle, leaning slightly towards informal. It's generally acceptable in most contexts, but more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "earnestly inclined".

How does "very keen" compare to "really keen"?

Both phrases express enthusiasm, but "really keen" is generally considered more informal than ""very keen"". The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.