looking forward to returning to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking forward to returning to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or eagerness about going back to a place or situation. Example: "I am looking forward to returning to my hometown for the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am looking forward to returning to Scotland and to seeing my family and friends again".

Independent

He said he was looking forward to returning to California and becoming a police officer someday.

The New York Times

Today, he said that he was looking forward to returning to school.

The New York Times

She is looking forward to returning to Hyderabad, where the living conditions will be much better.

The Guardian

For his part, Dr. Sacks said he was looking forward to returning to the classroom.

The New York Times - Books

Bulford said: "I am really looking forward to returning to the BBC.

The Guardian

But I am looking forward to returning to Liverpool and watching this show.

The Guardian

Adams said he was looking forward to returning to the private sector.

The Washington Post

Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani insists he is looking forward to returning to Liverpool following his season-long loan at Juventus.

Independent

The university said in a statement that the 84-year-old Paterno was looking forward to returning to practice Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins is looking forward to returning to Merseyside this weekend and testing himself against boyhood idols Liverpool.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking forward to returning to", ensure the context clearly indicates the place or situation you are anticipating revisiting. This phrase works best when expressing a positive sentiment about going back to something familiar or enjoyable.

Common error

Avoid using "looking forward to returning to" with abstract nouns or concepts that cannot be physically returned to. For example, it is better to say "I am looking forward to applying the lessons learned" rather than "I am looking forward to returning to the lessons learned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking forward to returning to" functions as a gerund phrase expressing anticipation or excitement about a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. This phrase typically acts as an adjective modifying a subject, indicating their state of mind or feelings about going back.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

14%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking forward to returning to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying anticipation and excitement about going back to a place or situation. As Ludwig AI validates, its versatility allows for use in diverse contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While suitable alternatives exist, such as "eager to get back to" or "excited to go back to", "looking forward to returning to" remains a common and effective way to express positive expectations about a future return.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerly anticipating returning to

Combines eagerness and anticipation, creating a stronger expression of desire.

eager to get back to

Expresses a strong desire to return, focusing on eagerness rather than anticipation.

excited to go back to

Highlights excitement about returning, emphasizing the emotional aspect.

looking ahead to being back in

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly different emphasis on planning and anticipation.

anticipating my return to

Formal and emphasizes anticipation, suitable for more formal contexts.

can't wait to be back in

Informal and expresses strong impatience and excitement about returning.

awaiting the chance to return to

Formal and suggests a patient waiting for the opportunity to return.

counting down the days until I return to

Emphasizes the passage of time and the strong desire for the return to happen soon.

planning my return to

Focuses on the planning aspect of returning, suitable when discussing logistics.

anxiously awaiting the return to

Expresses a mix of anticipation and anxiety about the return, suggesting some nervousness.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "looking forward to returning to"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to get back to", "excited to go back to", or "can't wait to be back in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "looking forward to return to"?

No, the correct form is "looking forward to returning to". The phrase "looking forward to" requires a gerund (verb ending in -ing) after "to" when expressing anticipation of an action.

How can I make the phrase "looking forward to returning to" sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "anticipating my return to" or "awaiting the chance to return to". These options add a touch of elegance and are suitable for professional communication.

When is it appropriate to use "looking forward to returning to"?

Use "looking forward to returning to" when you are genuinely anticipating a positive experience or opportunity in going back to a specific place, activity, or situation. It's best used when expressing excitement or pleasure about the prospect.