was eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was eager" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a past tense form of the adjective "eager," which means to have a strong desire or interest in something. Example: He was eager to start his new job and make a good impression on his boss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But I was eager.

The New Yorker

"I was eager to help".

The New Yorker

He was eager and guileless.

The New Yorker

She was eager to succeed.

The New York Times

Neither army was eager to waste lives.

The New Yorker

He was eager to buy anyway.

The New York Times

Chung, by contrast, was eager to help.

The New Yorker

I was eager to hear his advice.

The New York Times

He was eager for some air.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He's eager.

Independent

"Obviously they're eager.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a proactive approach or a readiness to take action, "was eager" is often more effective than alternatives like "was willing", which simply implies consent.

Common error

While "was eager" is generally acceptable, it can sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "was keen" or "demonstrated a strong inclination" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was eager" functions as a descriptive element, characterizing a subject's state of mind or disposition. It indicates a state of enthusiasm and willingness towards a particular action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was eager" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey enthusiasm and willingness. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register, suitable for a broad range of writing. While versatile, writers should consider the level of formality required and choose more sophisticated alternatives for highly formal settings. Remember to consider the connotations of related phrases such as "anxious" or "impatient" to precisely convey the intended emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was keen

Similar in expressing enthusiasm and willingness, but slightly more formal.

was willing

Focuses on the readiness and consent to do something.

was enthusiastic

Highlights the excitement and positive attitude towards something.

couldn't wait

Expresses strong anticipation and excitement about a future event.

was anxious

Implies a sense of worry combined with eagerness, often about something uncertain.

was raring to go

An idiomatic expression indicating great enthusiasm and readiness to start something.

was impatient

Suggests a restless eagerness, a difficulty in waiting.

was itching to

Informal way to describe being very eager to do something.

was dying to

Strongly emphasizes the desire to do or have something.

was determined

Emphasizes resolve and firmness of purpose in pursuing something.

FAQs

How can I use "was eager" in a sentence?

You can use "was eager" to describe someone's enthusiastic anticipation or willingness. For example, "He "was eager" to start the project" or "She "was eager" to learn new skills".

What are some alternatives to "was eager"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was keen", "was willing", or "was enthusiastic" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "was eager" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "was eager" might sound slightly informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "was keen" or "demonstrated a strong inclination" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "was eager" and "was anxious"?

"Was eager" implies positive anticipation and enthusiasm, while "was anxious" suggests a mix of eagerness and worry or unease. The choice depends on the specific emotional tone you want to convey.