Willing describes readiness to do something, often because a person agrees to it.

The idea

Use willing to followed by a verb: willing to help. It can also come before a noun, as in a willing volunteer.

Examples

  • Maya is willing to help with the event.
  • Are you willing to wait a few minutes?
  • The neighbours were willing to share their tools.
  • I am not willing to give up my weekend.
  • A willing volunteer carried the boxes upstairs.
  • Our team is willing to consider another approach.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use willing for help to mean ready to help; say willing to help. Being willing does not guarantee the action will happen.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Choose the word: They are ___ to listen. (willing / reluctant)

    Show answer or example answer

    willing

    Willing shows they are ready to listen.

  2. Choose the correct option. Complete the phrase: She is willing ___ try again. (to / for)

    Show answer or example answer

    to

    To introduces the action she is ready to try.

  3. Choose the correct option. Choose the meaning: I am not willing to pay extra. (I refuse / I agree)

    Show answer or example answer

    I refuse

    I refuse matches the speaker’s unwillingness to pay extra.

Use it today

Describe something you are willing to do and something you are not willing to do.