actually looking forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually looking forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing genuine anticipation or excitement about a future event or situation. Example: "I am actually looking forward to the concert this weekend; it should be a great experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

It tastes good, so I'm actually looking forward to it.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"I was actually looking forward to that," Joyce said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was actually looking forward to starting my 30s".

The Guardian - Music

– actually looking forward to telling her about it.

The Guardian - Tech

He said he's actually looking forward to Thanksgiving this year.

The New York Times

"I was actually looking forward to going after A-Rod," Romero said.

The New York Times - Sports

Relieved, I realise that I am now actually looking forward to the visit despite my fears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some Romans are actually looking forward to the next wave of worshipers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound more natural, avoid overusing "actually looking forward" in close succession. Vary your language with synonyms like "anticipating" or "eager".

Common error

Avoid using "actually looking forward" sarcastically. The phrase typically implies genuine positive anticipation, so using it ironically can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually looking forward" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied subject (often "I", "we", "he", or "she"), expressing a state of anticipation. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "actually looking forward" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey genuine anticipation or excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for scientific or highly professional settings. Remember to vary your language and avoid overusing the phrase, and be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation if used sarcastically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly anticipating

Replaces "actually" with "truly", providing a similar level of emphasis on the genuineness of the anticipation.

really anticipating

Replaces "actually looking forward" with a synonym for "looking forward" and changes the intensifier.

sincerely anticipating

Similar to "truly anticipating", but adds a layer of sincerity to the expression.

greatly anticipating

Emphasizes the degree of anticipation, making it sound more significant.

eagerly awaiting

Substitutes "looking forward" with a more formal and intense expression of anticipation.

awaiting with excitement

Highlights the excitement associated with the anticipation.

keenly anticipating

Similar to "eagerly awaiting", this option uses "keenly" for a slightly more sophisticated tone.

anticipating with pleasure

Specifies that the anticipation is linked with positive feelings.

relishing the prospect of

Conveys a sense of enjoyment and savoring the upcoming event or experience.

counting down the days until

Expresses a strong sense of eagerness and impatience for something to happen.

FAQs

What does "actually looking forward to" mean?

It means you are genuinely anticipating something with excitement or pleasure. It indicates a positive expectation for a future event or experience.

Is it okay to use "actually looking forward" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, especially if you want to convey a sense of sincerity. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using alternatives like "sincerely anticipating" or "eagerly awaiting".

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

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

How can I make "actually looking forward to" sound more enthusiastic?

You could add adverbs to emphasize your excitement, such as "really actually looking forward to" or "very much actually looking forward to".