keener or more keen ?

[wotcha]

My dictionary says comparative and superlative forms of 'keen' are more and most, which I agree and understand.

However, most of my grammar books and some of "Yahoo answers" say 'keener' and "keenest' are proper.

I'm quite confused between keener and more keen, and 'keener' sounds like a person to me - like a moderner or stranger.

What do you think the proper forms are?

 

[5jj]

Both the -er/est and the more/most forms are acceptable.

 

[billmcd]

My dictionary says comparative and superlative forms of 'keen' is more and most, which I agree and understand.

However, most of my grammar books and some of "Yahoo answers" say 'keener' and "keenest' are proper.

I'm quite confused between keener and more keen, and 'keener' sounds like a person to me - like a moderner or stranger.

What do you think the proper forms are?

Proper? Make your choice. I would use keener /keenest.

 

[shannico]

So woud I. It's a one-syllable word. Therefore, i feel the -er and -est suffixes should be applied.

 

[5jj]

So woud I. It's a one-syllable word. Therefore, i feel the -er and -est suffixes should be applied.

There is no 'should' about it. 'More keen' and 'most keen' are commonly used.