look forward to.

USAGE SUMMARY

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I look forward to this.

The New York Times

Plenty to look forward to.

The New York Times

I look forward to sweating.

The New York Times - Magazine

Look forward to what's coming".

Independent

We look forward to trial".

The New York Times

"I look forward to it.

The New York Times

I look forward to them".

The New York Times

I look forward to tomorrow.

The New York Times

I look forward to that".

The New York Times - Sports

Something to look forward to.

The New York Times

Look forward to hearing more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always follow "look forward to" with a noun or gerund (verb + -ing). For example, "I look forward to the meeting" or "I look forward to hearing from you".

Common error

Avoid using the base form of a verb directly after "look forward to". The correct structure requires a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or a noun. For example, use "I look forward to hearing from you" instead of "I look forward to hear from you".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look forward to" functions as a verb phrase expressing anticipation or expectation of a future event. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, indicating its versatility in conveying eagerness. It's often used in both formal and informal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look forward to" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to express anticipation or excitement about future events. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Remember to follow it with a noun or gerund, and consider related phrases like "anticipate with pleasure" or "await eagerly" for variety. While generally neutral to professional, adjust your tone based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerly anticipate

Combines eagerness and anticipation for a more emphatic expectation. /s/eagerly+anticipate

wait with anticipation

Highlights the act of waiting while emphasizing the associated excitement.

anticipate with pleasure

Emphasizes the enjoyment expected from the event, adding a layer of positive emotion.

expect with anticipation

Focuses on the expectation while adding the excitement of anticipation.

await eagerly

Highlights the enthusiasm and impatience associated with waiting.

relish the prospect of

Implies a strong sense of enjoyment and savoring the upcoming event.

can't wait for

An informal expression of strong excitement and anticipation. /s/can't+wait+for

contemplate with pleasure

Implies thoughtful consideration and enjoyment of a future event.

be excited about

A simpler way to convey enthusiasm for something that is coming. /s/be+excited+about

be keen on

Suggests a strong interest and eagerness, often used in British English.

FAQs

How do I use "look forward to" in a sentence?

Use "look forward to" to express anticipation or excitement about something that will happen in the future. It should be followed by a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "I look forward to the weekend" or "I look forward to seeing you soon".

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

You can use alternatives like "anticipate with pleasure", "await eagerly", or "be excited about depending on the context".

Is it "look forward to hearing" or "look forward to hear"?

The correct form is "look forward to hearing". The phrase requires a gerund (verb ending in -ing) after "to". Using the base form of the verb is a common grammatical error.

What is the difference between "look forward to" and "hope for"?

"Look forward to" implies a sense of anticipation and excitement, while "hope for" simply expresses a desire for something to happen. "Look forward to" suggests a more positive and confident expectation than "hope for".