can't wait to

USAGE SUMMARY

"can't wait to" is an idiomatic expression that is perfectly acceptable in written English
It is used to express eagerness for a forthcoming event or activity. For example: "I can't wait to go to the beach this weekend!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I can't wait to go.

The New Yorker

She can't wait to leave.

Independent

Can't wait to see more!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I can't wait to try it.

The New York Times

I can't wait to burn it".

The New York Times

I can't wait to find out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Can't wait to someday undo this.

The New York Times

NICE! Can't wait to shoot this video!

Wikipedia

Can't wait to get underway.

The New York Times

Can't wait to get there.

The New Yorker

Can't wait to drive tomorrow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can't wait to" to convey enthusiasm and anticipation in your writing. It adds a personal and engaging touch, making your message more relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "can't wait to" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "looking forward to" or "eager to" to maintain a balanced and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't wait to" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a speaker's anticipation or excitement about a future event or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a standard way to express eagerness. It sets a positive and enthusiastic tone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can't wait to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express eagerness and anticipation, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives like "I'm looking forward to" in certain situations. The phrase is considered neutral in register and conveys a sense of positive excitement, making it suitable for a broad range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm looking forward to

Replaces the negative construction with a positive expression of anticipation.

I'm eager to

Changes the contraction and uses a more formal synonym for "wait".

I am keen to

Replaces "can't wait" with a more reserved expression of enthusiasm.

I'm excited to

Shifts the focus to excitement rather than waiting.

I am anxious to

Expresses a sense of worry or nervousness in anticipation of something.

I'm thrilled to

Expresses a higher degree of enthusiasm.

I anticipate

Uses a single verb to convey expectation, increasing formality.

I'm impatient to

Highlights the feeling of restlessness while waiting.

I long to

Adds a sense of yearning or deep desire.

I'm dying to

Uses a hyperbole to emphasize extreme eagerness.

FAQs

How can I use "can't wait to" in a sentence?

Use "can't wait to" to express excitement or anticipation for a future event. For example, "I "can't wait to" see the new movie".

What's a more formal alternative to "can't wait to"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "I'm looking forward to" or "I anticipate".

Is it grammatically correct to say "can't wait to"?

Yes, "can't wait to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey eagerness or anticipation.

What's the difference between "can't wait to" and "anxious to"?

"Can't wait to" generally expresses excitement and positive anticipation. "Anxious to" can imply a mix of eagerness and worry or nervousness about the upcoming event.