were eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were eager" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or enthusiasm for something in the past. Example: "The students were eager to learn about the new project and participate in the discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shareholders were eager to speak their minds.

The New York Times

They were eager to move on.

The New York Times

Both said they were eager to return.

The New York Times

They were eager to score another one".

The New York Times - Sports

— we were eager to do it.

The New York Times

Local anthropologists were eager to help.

The New Yorker

The others were eager to discuss it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, departing passengers were eager to complain.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, investors were eager to buy shares.

The New Yorker

They were eager to leave.

The New York Times

"We were eager to participate".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For variety, consider synonyms like "were keen", "were enthusiastic", or "were anxious to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

While both words suggest anticipation, "eager" implies a positive excitement, whereas "anxious" suggests worry or unease. Be mindful of the context to ensure the correct emotion is conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were eager" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a state of enthusiasm or strong desire in the past. Ludwig examples show it commonly describes people's readiness or willingness to engage in an activity or pursue a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were eager" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a state of past enthusiasm or strong desire. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, academic writing and scientific papers. While "were eager" is generally appropriate, considering alternatives like "were keen" or "were enthusiastic" can add nuance to your writing. Avoid confusing "eager" with "anxious", as the latter implies worry rather than positive anticipation. This review provides a thorough understanding of the phrase, ensuring its effective and accurate use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were keen

Suggests a strong interest or enthusiasm, often implying a more intellectual engagement.

were enthusiastic

Emphasizes excitement and positive emotion.

couldn't wait to

Highlights anticipation and excitement for an upcoming event.

were anxious to

Implies a sense of worry or anticipation alongside eagerness.

were ready

Focuses on preparedness and willingness to act.

were itching to

Conveys a strong, almost uncontrollable desire.

were willing

Highlights consent and agreement, lacking the intensity of "eager".

were impatient

Suggests restlessness and a desire for something to happen quickly.

were dying to

Expresses an extreme desire, often used hyperbolically.

were longing to

Implies a deep yearning or desire, often for something unattainable.

FAQs

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

You can use "were eager" to describe someone's past enthusiasm or anticipation for something. For instance, "The students "were eager" to start the new project" or "The fans "were eager" to meet the band after the concert".

What are some alternatives to "were eager"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "were keen", "were enthusiastic", "were anxious to", or "couldn't wait to".

Is it correct to say "was eager" instead of "were eager"?

No, "was eager" is used for singular subjects, while "were eager" is used for plural subjects or with the pronoun 'you'. For example, "He was eager to go" but "They "were eager" to go".

What's the difference between "were eager" and "were willing"?

"Were eager" implies enthusiasm and a strong desire, while "were willing" simply suggests consent or agreement without necessarily indicating excitement. "They "were eager" to help" suggests they were enthusiastic, whereas "They "were willing" to help" just means they agreed to do so.