When followed by a gerund (the "–ing" verb form), anxiousness refers to anxiety, not pleasant feelings such as enthusiasm or excitement.

Ex. “He was anxious about becoming the President." (He had an uncomfortable feeling about it.)


When followed with an infinitive ("to" and the verb), anxiousness refers to eager desire.

Ex. “He was anxious to become the President."



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Eagerness conveys enthusiasm and is followed with an infinitive.
Ex. “He was eager to become the President." (He was happy about it.)
Use "anxious” as instructed.
Use “eager” as instructed.
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