Looking forward to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Looking forward to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express enthusiasm about a promising event in the future. For example: "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about the job!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looking forward to Boots.

The Guardian - Opinion

Looking forward to it".

The New York Times - Sports

Looking forward to the weekend".

The New York Times - Sports

Looking forward to our chat.

The New Yorker

Looking forward to your questions.

The New Yorker

Looking forward to the show".

The New York Times

Looking forward to new season".

Independent

Looking forward to 2012?

The Guardian

Looking forward to seeing you very soon.

The New Yorker

Looking forward to your next one.

The New York Times

Looking forward to more?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase in business correspondence, ensure it aligns with the overall tone. It’s suitable for expressing enthusiasm about meetings, collaborations, or project outcomes.

Common error

Avoid overusing "look forward to hearing from you" as a generic closing in every email. Use it only when you genuinely anticipate a response or interaction. A more appropriate closing might be "Thank you for your time and consideration" if no reply is necessarily expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Looking forward to" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing anticipation or expectation regarding a future event or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and its examples demonstrate its role in conveying a positive outlook.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Looking forward to" is a commonly used phrase to express anticipation and positive expectation about future events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to sports and general communication, making it a versatile expression. When using the phrase, it is important to ensure that it reflects genuine enthusiasm and aligns with the overall tone of the communication. Remember to follow "to" with a gerund (verb ending in -ing). Be mindful of overuse, especially in formal contexts, and consider alternatives when appropriate. While widely accepted, be sure to apply it purposefully for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Looking ahead to

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the act of planning or thinking about the future.

Can't wait for

More informal, expresses strong excitement and impatience.

Eagerly awaiting

Highlights the eagerness and impatience of the anticipation.

Excited about

Focuses on the excitement surrounding the upcoming event.

Anticipating with pleasure

More formal and emphasizes the positive expectation.

Highly anticipating

Adds intensity to the feeling of anticipation.

Anticipating

A shorter, more direct way to express anticipation.

With great anticipation

Adds emphasis to the feeling of anticipation.

Anxiously awaiting

Implies a sense of eagerness mixed with slight nervousness.

Counting down the days

Emphasizes the passage of time and the increasing anticipation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "Looking forward to"?

You can use alternatives like "eagerly awaiting", "can't wait for", or "excited about" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Looking forward to see you"?

No, the correct form is "Looking forward to seeing you". The phrase "looking forward to" is followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing).

How can I use "Looking forward to" in a business email?

You can use it to express anticipation for a future meeting, collaboration, or event. For example, "I'm looking forward to our meeting next week to discuss the project further".

What's the difference between "Looking forward to" and "Anticipating"?

"Looking forward to" is a more common and versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, while "anticipating" can sound more formal or literary. Both express expecting something with a degree of excitement, but "looking forward to" often implies a more personal connection or eagerness.