What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
willing
Example
She was willing to help me with my project. [willing: adjective]
Example
He is always willing to listen to other people's opinions. [willing: adjective]
eager
Example
The children were eager to open their presents on Christmas morning. [eager: adjective]
Example
I am eager to start my new job next week. [eager: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Willing is more commonly used than eager in everyday language. Willing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while eager is less common and is often used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between willing and eager?
While willing is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, eager is more commonly used in formal writing or speech. Eager is often used to express a high level of enthusiasm or motivation, making it suitable for more formal contexts.