I am looking forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am looking forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express anticipation of a future event, for example: "I am looking forward to attending the symposium next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am looking forward to the chat.

The New Yorker

I am looking forward to the debate.

The New York Times

I am looking forward to being 80.

The New York Times

"Definitely, I am looking forward to it.

The New York Times - Sports

I am looking forward to that day!

The New York Times

I am looking forward to "Dhoom 3".

The New York Times

I am looking forward to my visit.

The New York Times

"Yeah, I am looking forward to it.

Independent

I am looking forward on this issue.

The New York Times

"I am looking forward to [Sunday].

The Guardian - Sport

I am looking forward to London.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am looking forward to" when you want to express genuine anticipation or positive expectation about a future event or interaction. Ensure the tone matches the context, as it can range from formal to informal.

Common error

Avoid using the incorrect preposition after "looking forward". It should always be followed by "to". For instance, "I am looking forward for the event" is incorrect; the correct form is "I am looking forward to the event".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am looking forward" functions as an expression of anticipation or expectation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to convey a positive sentiment about a future event or interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am looking forward" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express anticipation or positive expectation about a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. When using this phrase, remember to follow it with the preposition "to" and a noun, pronoun, or gerund. For alternatives, consider "eager to", "can't wait to", or "excited about" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm anticipating

This is a shorter, more direct way of expressing anticipation.

I am eagerly anticipating

This alternative emphasizes both anticipation and enthusiasm, suitable for formal contexts.

I'm excited about

This alternative conveys a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation.

I eagerly await

This alternative adds emphasis on the enthusiasm felt.

I can't wait for

This alternative expresses impatience and strong desire for something to happen.

I am anticipating with eagerness

This alternative is more emphatic, highlighting the eagerness.

I'm keen on

This alternative conveys enthusiasm, but might be seen as less formal depending on context.

I anticipate

This alternative is more concise and formal, omitting the continuous aspect of "looking forward".

I am awaiting with pleasure

Adds a sense of joy and positive expectation.

I await

This alternative is more formal and implies a patient expectation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I am looking forward to"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to", "can't wait to", or "excited about" depending on the context.

How do I use "I am looking forward to" in a sentence?

Follow "I am looking forward to" with a noun, pronoun, or a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "I am looking forward to the meeting" or "I am looking forward to hearing from you".

Is it correct to say "I am looking forward for" something?

No, the correct usage is "I am looking forward to". The preposition "to" is essential when using this phrase. Saying "I am looking forward for" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "I am looking forward to" and "I look forward to"?

"I am looking forward to" implies a greater sense of anticipation and excitement, while "I look forward to" is generally more formal and expresses a simple expectation. The former is often used in more casual settings, while the latter is appropriate for professional correspondence.