looking forward to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking forward to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express anticipation or excitement about a future event or action. Example: "I am looking forward to doing the presentation next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm just looking forward to doing something".

The New York Times - Sports

We're looking forward to doing our best".

The Guardian - Sport

"And we're looking forward to doing something".

The New Yorker

McHugh said he was looking forward to doing so.

The New York Times - Sports

We're looking forward to doing more together in 2012".

The New York Times

I'm looking forward to doing the same thing".

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm looking forward to doing some other things.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm looking forward to doing so in an independent manner".

The New York Times

Right now I'm just looking forward to doing my schoolwork".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not looking forward to doing anything different".

The New York Times - Sports

I am looking forward to doing your interview.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, balance "looking forward to doing" with more professional alternatives like "anticipating" or "expecting" to maintain a polished tone.

Common error

Remember that "looking forward to" requires a gerund (verb + -ing). Avoid the infinitive form ("to do"). Always use "looking forward to doing", not "looking forward to do".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking forward to doing" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It expresses anticipation or excitement regarding a future action or event. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking forward to doing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express anticipation or excitement about a future action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s versatile enough for various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "anticipating doing" for professional settings. Remember to use the gerund form ('doing') and avoid the infinitive ('to do'). By using "looking forward to doing" appropriately, you can effectively convey enthusiasm and a positive sentiment about upcoming activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipating doing

Focuses more on the expectation of the event, slightly more formal.

eagerly awaiting to do

Highlights the eagerness and anticipation, more emphatic.

excited to do

Emphasizes the excitement associated with the action, less formal.

can't wait to do

Informal expression of strong anticipation and impatience.

anxious to do

Can imply both excitement and slight nervousness, depending on context.

awaiting with pleasure to do

More formal and emphasizes the positive anticipation.

keen to do

Highlights enthusiasm and willingness to perform the action.

planning on doing

Focuses on the intention and preparation for the action.

intending to do with anticipation

Combines intention with a sense of looking forward to something.

contemplating doing with excitement

Highlights the reflection and thrill of doing something.

FAQs

How to use "looking forward to doing" in a sentence?

You can use "looking forward to doing" to express anticipation or excitement about a future activity. For instance, "I'm "looking forward to doing" the presentation next week" or "We are "looking forward to doing" business with you".

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

You can use alternatives like "anticipating doing", "eager to do", or "excited about doing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "looking forward to do" or "looking forward to doing"?

"Looking forward to doing" is the correct form. The phrase "looking forward to" requires a gerund (verb + -ing) after "to". "Looking forward to do" is grammatically incorrect.

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

Both phrases express anticipation, but "looking forward to" can be slightly more formal, while "excited about" emphasizes enthusiasm. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.