actually look forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually look forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing genuine anticipation or excitement about a future event or situation. Example: "I actually look forward to our meeting next week; it should be very productive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I actually look forward to it.

Independent

I actually look forward to planes.

Independent

"I actually look forward to Thanksgiving now.

The New York Times

I actually look forward to seeing what happens".

The New York Times - Sports

THEN there is another strategy: creating commercials that people actually look forward to watching.

The New York Times

He senses that some players actually look forward to being guarded by him.

The New York Times - Magazine

The nurses themselves say they actually look forward to hearing from the researchers.

The New York Times - Science

The prosecutor, meanwhile, demanded the death penalty by arguing that gays actually look forward to the rewards of prison life.

The New York Times - Books

I actually look forward to paying my taxes each year as a show of my affection for them.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You're actually looking forward to it.

The New Yorker

"I'm actually looking forward to it," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually look forward to" to express genuine enthusiasm or anticipation, rather than mere politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "actually look forward to" in every situation, especially in formal contexts where more sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually look forward" functions as a verb phrase indicating anticipation or expectation with a degree of genuine enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Many examples on Ludwig highlight different contexts where the phrase is appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "actually look forward" is a common and correct way to express genuine anticipation or excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it is most frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. For situations demanding higher formality, consider using alternatives like "eagerly anticipate". Be mindful not to overuse the phrase and ensure it aligns with the intended tone of your writing. As illustrated by the many examples, "actually look forward" is a versatile phrase for conveying positive expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really look forward to

Emphasizes the looking forward aspect with "really".

greatly anticipate

Intensifies the feeling of looking forward using "greatly".

eagerly anticipate

Replaces "look forward" with a more formal verb, emphasizing the anticipation.

enthusiastically await

Highlights the enthusiasm in anticipation.

anticipate with pleasure

Focuses on the positive feeling of anticipation.

expect with anticipation

Highlights the expectation aspect with anticipation.

await with excitement

Highlights the excitement associated with anticipation.

am excited about

Simplifies the phrase while maintaining the sentiment of excitement.

can't wait for

Expresses strong eagerness and impatience.

greet with enthusiasm

Conveys a sense of welcoming an event with enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "actually look forward" in a sentence?

You can use "actually look forward" to express genuine anticipation. For example, "I "actually look forward" to the holidays this year".

What can I say instead of "actually look forward to"?

You can use alternatives like "eagerly anticipate", "greatly anticipate", or "really look forward to" depending on the context.

Is it too informal to use "actually look forward" in a business email?

While "actually look forward" is generally acceptable, consider the recipient and context. In very formal business communications, alternatives like "eagerly anticipate" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "look forward to" and "actually look forward to"?

Adding "actually" emphasizes genuine enthusiasm. "Look forward to" is a standard polite expression, while "actually look forward to" conveys stronger, more sincere anticipation.