forward to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forward to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express anticipation or eagerness for something that will happen in the future. Example: "I am looking forward to our meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leap forward to 1989.

The New York Times

Fast forward to 2013.

The New York Times

Fast forward to now.

Independent

Flash forward to 2007.

The New York Times

Looking forward to Boots.

The Guardian - Opinion

But forward to where?

The Economist

Looking forward to it".

The New York Times - Sports

Fast forward to 2009.

The New York Times - Sports

I look forward to sweating.

The New York Times - Magazine

Look forward to what's coming".

Independent

Looking forward to your questions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forward to" to indicate movement, progression, or anticipation. Ensure the context clearly defines what is being moved or anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "forward to" interchangeably with phrases that imply strong anticipation or excitement. While it can express anticipation, its primary meaning relates to movement or progression. For stronger emotions, consider alternatives like "I'm eager for" or "I can't wait for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forward to" functions as a versatile connector, used to indicate progression, anticipation, or transition in time or thought. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, from expressing eagerness to future events to marking a jump in a narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forward to" is a frequently used phrase that indicates movement, progression, or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, with a generally neutral register. While primarily used to express a shift or anticipation, it's important to consider the specific nuance and context to avoid misinterpretations. As Ludwig shows, authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC frequently employ this phrase, further solidifying its validity and usability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fast-forward to

Suggests jumping ahead in time, omitting details.

flash forward to

Similar to fast-forward, but with a sense of immediacy or abruptness.

move ahead to

This suggests moving beyond a current state to a subsequent one.

look ahead to

Focuses on anticipation of something in the future.

progress to

This implies a sequential movement or development towards something.

advance to

This alternative suggests physical movement or progression to a certain point.

anticipate

Implies expecting something and preparing for it.

leap to

This alternative implies a significant jump, either literally or figuratively, to a specific point.

await

Suggests waiting for something to happen.

expect

Expresses a belief that something will happen.

FAQs

How can I use "forward to" in a sentence?

You can use "forward to" to indicate anticipation, as in "I'm looking forward to the weekend", or to indicate movement in time, as in "Let's fast "fast forward to" the present day".

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

"Forward to" generally indicates movement or progression, while "looking forward to" specifically expresses anticipation or excitement about a future event. The former is broader, while the latter is more focused on expectation.

What can I say instead of "I'm looking forward to"?

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

Is it always necessary to include "looking" before "forward to" when expressing anticipation?

No, it's not always necessary. You can also say "I "move forward to" new beginnings", which expresses a different sense of movement towards something. The inclusion of "looking" specifically emphasizes anticipation.