Eager and anxious are a troublesome pair of words that unsuspecting writers misuse all the time. Here is a quick rundown on how to use each one:
Anxious implies anxiety or worry.
· I'm anxious about the results of my chemistry test. I hope I studied hard enough!
· I'm anxious to get out of here so I can make it home in time for dinner.
In both of the above scenarios, something is at stake. Therefore, you probably wouldn't say I'm anxious to go on vacation unless there is some reason to worry that is connected with your vacation. You might be anxious to go on vacation if you're worried that your boss is going to fire you for taking the time off.
Eager has a positive connotation. It usually comes without anxiety or worry.
· I'm eager to go on vacation.
· I'm eager to see what gift my boyfriend bought for me.
Because anxious is misused so often, some dictionaries include a definition that makes it interchangeable with eager. However, this is another one of those things that picky readers will notice and therefore pick at.
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Things Every Writer Should Know (but Most Don't)
Non-FictionYou have a wonderful idea for a story, and that is fantastic! But how can you make sure that poor mechanics don't distract your writers from your message? I address some of the most common errors in writing and tell you how to fix them.
