GRAMMAR TIPS: ANXIOUS VS. EAGER

Regina Coeli Monteiro
Aluna do 4º período de Português e Inglês – Campus Méier
Tradutora e assessora administrativa bilíngüe

Do you know the difference between anxious and eager?

There sure is a difference between "anxious" and "eager": "anxious" and "eager" denote a degree and type of anticipation, but each has a distinct meaning, so do not confuse them. They should not be interchanged.

To be anxious suggests that you are worried about something – you're dreading it. To be eager indicates a happy excitement – which you cannot wait.

These examples will illustrate the difference:

• "Marie was anxious to receive the results from her medical examination."

This sentence implies that Marie fears what the exam will show.
Compare it with this:

• "Marie was eager to receive the results from her medical examination."

Let's say Marie needed to take a medical exam before she could be hired for a new job that she really wanted. The exam may be a formality that stands in the way of her progress. In this case, she would indeed be eager to get the results.

Here's another example:

• "Tom anxiously awaited a call from his boss."

Tom is expecting to be chewed out for missing an important deadline. He is not looking forward to a confrontation with his manager. Understandably, he's anxious.

• "Tom eagerly awaited a call from his boss."

In this instance, Tom is expecting to be informed of a long-pending promotion. Is he ever eager!

Sources: A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language, written by Richard Quirk et alli.
Adapted by: Regina Coeli Monteiro

Endereço para correspondência: reginacoelim@hotmail.com