Keen: Meanings, Common Patterns and Quiz
Keen (adjective) — Keen has several related uses. It can mean eager or enthusiastic, highly perceptive, or sharp and strong. The surrounding words show which meaning is intended.
Start with the common patterns
“Keen to learn” means eager to learn. “Keen on gardening” expresses enthusiasm for that activity. After keen on, use a noun or an -ing form: keen on music; keen on swimming.
A keen observer notices details; a keen sense of smell detects scents well. A keen interest is strong interest. Do not replace keen with eager in every sentence, because these patterns express different senses.
Keen in sentences
- I am keen to improve my speaking skills.
- Leela is keen on solving word puzzles.
- A keen observer noticed the small change in the diagram.
- The child showed a keen interest in how dictionaries are made.
Useful patterns and word forms
Useful patterns: keen to + base verb; keen on + noun or -ing form; a keen interest in something. Keenly is the adverb; keenness is a noun.
Short quiz: check your understanding
Try each question before opening its answer.
Question 1
Complete: “She is keen ___ learn.”
Show answer 1 and explanation
To. Keen to learn uses to plus the base form of the verb.
Question 2
Choose: “keen on swim” or “keen on swimming”.
Show answer 2 and explanation
Keen on swimming. Use the -ing form after the preposition on.
Question 3
Does “a keen observer” primarily mean an eager or a perceptive observer?
Show answer 3 and explanation
Perceptive. This sense concerns noticing details well.
Try it today: Write one sentence with keen to and one with keen on.
Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Keen. Examples and quiz questions are written for English Skill Studio.
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Categories: Word of the Day-1