was keen

USAGE SUMMARY

'was keen' is correct and usable in written English in certain contexts.
For example: "My brother was keen to join the local soccer team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was keen.

The Guardian

There was keen deliberateness.

The New Yorker

Neither man was keen, initially.

Independent

I was keen.

The Guardian - Travel

Felix was keen.

The Guardian

The competition was keen.

The New York Times

But he was keen.

The Guardian

I was keen we avoided that cycle.

The Guardian

I was keen to find out.

The Economist

Mr Dogan was keen to buy SABAH.

The Economist

Issa was keen on getting Omar Sharif.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was keen" to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is enthusiastic about.

Common error

Avoid using "was keen" in contexts where a mild interest is intended. "Was interested" might be more appropriate for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was keen" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase within a sentence, modifying the subject to indicate a state of eagerness or enthusiasm. It's commonly used to express someone's strong interest or desire, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was keen" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote enthusiasm or strong interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media along with academic sources, its usage spans different registers, though a neutral to informal tone prevails. To ensure effective communication, consider that while generally suitable, formal contexts may require a stronger or more precise synonym. Understanding the nuances and usage patterns of "was keen" can significantly enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was eager

Uses a synonym of "keen" to convey a very similar meaning.

was enthusiastic

Emphasizes a high level of excitement and interest.

was interested

Indicates a state of curiosity and attention.

was willing

Highlights a readiness and consent to do something.

was disposed

Implies an inclination or tendency towards something.

was inclined

Suggests a leaning towards a particular preference or action.

was predisposed

Indicates a pre-existing tendency or attitude.

had a desire

Focuses on the feeling of wanting something.

had a strong inclination

Emphasizes the strength of the preference.

expressed eagerness

Highlights the outward display of enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "was keen" to express enthusiasm or eagerness for something. For example, "He was keen to start the new project" or "She was keen on visiting the museum".

What's the difference between "was keen" and "was interested"?

"Was keen" suggests a stronger level of enthusiasm than "was interested". While both indicate interest, "was keen" implies a more active and enthusiastic desire.

What are some alternatives to saying "was keen"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was eager", "was enthusiastic", or "was willing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was keen on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was keen on" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in British English. For example, "He was keen on learning to play the guitar".