looking forward to dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking forward to dinner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or excitement about an upcoming meal or gathering. Example: "I am really looking forward to dinner with you this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Shivering, I headed inside, looking forward to dinner.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was looking forward to dinner, a game of Ping-Pong, maybe a video.

The New Yorker

But he noted that he was looking forward to dinner, which was likely to include Chicken McNuggets.

The New York Times - Sports

She was looking forward to dinner in the West Village, though she had not yet picked out a restaurant.

The New Yorker

And she said she was looking forward to dinner at the Times Square location of the Olive Garden on Thursday.

The New York Times

He'd been looking forward to dinner at home with his wife, and perhaps a glass of wine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Nachman said, "I'll look forward to dinner".

The New Yorker

I LIKE BEING A BACHELOR, BUT ALONG WITHJU most of my single friends, I don't always look forward to dinner at home.

The New York Times - Magazine

I look forward to dinner at Hamersley's Bistro in Boston for many of the same reasons I enjoy eating at Cafe Boulud in New York City: I can count on finding unfailingly pleasing food true to its origins.

The New York Times - Books

We'd become so bored that Larry began to look forward to dinner even though it was the same menu every night -- local fish with a hibiscus blossom, puréed taro root with a hibiscus blossom.

The New York Times - Travel

"We always look forward to dinner and who we're going to be with".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking forward to dinner" to express genuine anticipation and excitement, especially when responding to an invitation or confirming plans.

Common error

While "looking forward to dinner" is acceptable, it can sound less sophisticated in formal communication. Opt for alternatives like "anticipating" or "awaiting with pleasure" in business correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking forward to dinner" primarily functions as an expression of anticipation or excitement about a planned dinner. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in expressing positive expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking forward to dinner" is a widely used and generally accepted way to express anticipation and excitement about an upcoming meal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional settings. Remember to use it when you genuinely anticipate the meal and want to convey your enthusiasm!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can't wait for dinner

Expresses strong excitement and impatience.

excited about dinner

Focuses on the excitement surrounding the meal.

eager for dinner

Implies a strong desire and impatience for dinner.

anticipating dinner

Focuses on the anticipation itself rather than actively 'looking forward'.

keen on dinner

Expresses enthusiasm for the dinner.

awaiting dinner with pleasure

More formal and emphasizes the positive emotion associated with the dinner.

relishing the thought of dinner

Highlights the enjoyment derived from contemplating the upcoming meal.

counting down to dinner

Emphasizes the passage of time leading up to the dinner.

yearning for dinner

Implies a deep longing for the dinner, perhaps due to hunger or social anticipation.

longing for dinner

Expresses a sentimental desire for the dinner occasion.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "anticipating dinner", "eager for dinner", or "excited about dinner" depending on the context.

How do I use "looking forward to dinner" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your anticipation about an upcoming dinner: "I am really looking forward to dinner with you on Friday."

Is it okay to use "looking forward to dinner" in a formal email?

Yes, but consider more formal alternatives like "I anticipate our dinner" or "I await our dinner with pleasure" for professional settings.

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

While both express positive anticipation, "looking forward to dinner" is a more general expression of anticipation, while "excited about dinner" emphasizes strong enthusiasm.