What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eager
Example
The children were eager to open their presents on Christmas morning. [eager: adjective]
Example
She eagerly volunteered to help with the project. [eagerly: adverb]
keen
Example
He is a keen photographer and enjoys taking pictures in his free time. [keen: adjective]
Example
She listened to the music with keen attention, trying to identify the different instruments. [keen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eager is more commonly used than keen in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Keen is less common and is often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eager and keen?
Keen is generally more formal than eager, and it is often used in academic or professional contexts. Eager is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
