we were eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were eager" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something. For example, "We were eager to hear about the results of the election".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

— we were eager to do it.

The New York Times

"We were eager to participate".

The New York Times - Tech

"We were eager to get each others' reels".

The New York Times

We were eager to start families and lead normal lives.

The New York Times

"We were eager to take the field," defensive end Kenny Holmes said.

The New York Times - Sports

We were eager to find our bed-and-breakfast before dark.

The New York Times - Travel

Starting up at 11 55, we were eager to reach the summit before lunch.

The New York Times - Travel

"We were eager to measure how effective our work was in terms of magnitude and duration.

The New Yorker

After an era of deprivation, we were eager to enjoy the newfound freedoms of capitalism and credit cards.

The New York Times

We felt that the film would be well received and we were eager to participate in this project".

The New York Times

"We have said many times that we were eager to expand in financial services and in real estate," Mr. Diller said yesterday in an interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were eager" to clearly express enthusiasm and anticipation for an event, activity, or opportunity. It is particularly effective when setting the stage for a positive or proactive approach.

Common error

While "we were eager" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "we were keen" or "we were desirous" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance and formality required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were eager" functions as a declarative statement expressing the subject's enthusiasm or keen anticipation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were eager" effectively communicates enthusiasm and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings, demonstrating its versatility. When writing, it's crucial to consider the subtle differences between synonyms like "we were keen" or "we were anxious" to convey the precise nuance you intend. Using "we were eager" sets a proactive and positive tone, but avoid overusing it in very formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were keen

Replaces "eager" with "keen", suggesting a strong enthusiasm or interest.

we were enthusiastic

Emphasizes a strong feeling of excitement and approval.

we were excited

Focuses on the feeling of exhilaration and anticipation.

we were anxious

Indicates eagerness mixed with a degree of concern or nervousness.

we were ready

Implies preparedness and availability to start or engage in something.

we were impatient

Highlights the difficulty in waiting, showing eagerness to begin something.

we were desirous

A more formal way to express a strong wish or longing.

we were willing

Highlights the readiness and consent to do something.

we were determined

Stresses the firm decision and commitment to achieve something, linking to eagerness.

we were inclined

Suggests a predisposition or willingness to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "we were eager" in a sentence?

You can use "we were eager" to express enthusiasm or anticipation for something. For example, "We were eager to start the new project", or "We were eager to see the results of the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "we were eager"?

Some alternatives include "we were keen", "we were enthusiastic", or "we were anxious", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we were eager to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "we were eager to" followed by a verb. For example, "We were eager to learn more about the topic".

What is the difference between "we were eager" and "we were anxious"?

"We were eager" generally implies positive anticipation, while "we were anxious" suggests a mix of eagerness and concern or nervousness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize excitement or a worried anticipation.