to offer to do something that you do not have to do - willing / eager / keen?

[mrwroc]

Could you tell me if each of these sentences is correct and all mean the same? I want to offer to do something that I do not have to do.


1. You said you needed a volunteer - well, I'm willing to help you.
2. You said you needed a volunteer - well, I'm eager to help you.
3. You said you needed a volunteer - well, I'm keen to help you.
4. You said you needed a volunteer - well, I'm keen on helping you.

 

[emsr2d2]

Look up the definitions of "willing", "eager" and "keen" and tell us if you think they all mean the same.

 

[mrwroc]

I know that "eager" and "keen" can mean something different, for example "like somebody else very much", but I am interested only into meaning "to offer to do something that you do not have to do". Are my sentences correct? @emsr2d2 and @GoesStation

 

[mrwroc]

I take it that you want nobody else to respond.

I want, but only they reacted here

 

[GoesStation]

Willing: I'll help you if asked. I may be reluctant or enthusiastic; the verb doesn't tell us.

Eager: I'll help you if asked. I'm enthusiastic about the prospect.

We don't use keen in American English, but I understand it to be a near synonym for eager in the British variety.

 

[mrwroc]

Thank you, so meanings 'willing' and 'eager' are very close. Are they both popular? Because as I know "keen" is obsolete?

 

[GoesStation]

Thank you. So the meanings of 'willing' and 'eager' are very close. Are they both popular? Because as far as I know "keen" is obsolete. [STRIKE]?[/STRIKE]

No, yes, and no. Their meanings are distinctly different, as I tried to say above. They're both common. ("Popular" isn't really the right word.) I believe "keen" is common in British English. I don't think it's obsolete in American English; it was never used in this sense. It was used as a slangy adjective synonymous with "cool" in my childhood and, like nearly all such adjectives, faded away.

 

[emsr2d2]

In this context, "eager" and "keen" are pretty much synonymous. "Willing" carries a different meaning. It is neutral. It doesn't necessarily express eagerness or duress. More context would be needed for that.

Helen: I'm moving house next week. Would you be able to help me?
Sarah: Yes, I'm willing to help you. (Neutral)

Helen: I'm moving house next week. Would you be able to help me?
Sarah: If you really can't find anyone else, I'm willing to help you. (Negative)

Helen: I'm moving house next week. Would you be able to help me?
Sarah: Oh, yes! I'm willing to help you. I love helping people move. (Positive)