really looking forward to

USAGE SUMMARY

"really looking forward to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing enthusiasm for something that you are expecting. For example: "I'm really looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Really looking forward to Nashville.

The New York Times

"She was really looking forward to coming.

The New York Times

"We were really looking forward to it".

The New York Times - Sports

He's really looking forward to it.

The New York Times

"We're really looking forward to that game.

Independent

So I'm really looking forward to that".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm really looking forward to the Belmont".

Independent

I'm really, really looking forward to it".

Independent

So I'm really looking forward to it.

The New York Times

"I'm really looking forward to being involved".

The Guardian

"I'm really looking forward to getting home.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really looking forward to" to convey genuine enthusiasm, but avoid overuse. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

In formal writing, while "really looking forward to" is acceptable, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "I anticipate with great interest" to enhance your professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really looking forward to" functions as an adjectival phrase expressing anticipation and enthusiasm. It modifies the subject (often 'I' or 'we') indicating a positive emotional state regarding a future event or activity. Ludwig's examples show it consistently used this way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really looking forward to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express enthusiasm and anticipation. According to Ludwig, it's found most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a generally neutral formality level. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, more sophisticated alternatives might be considered for formal writing. Remember to vary your language and be mindful of the specific context to maintain reader engagement. Ludwig AI validates the accuracy and widespread usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can't wait for

A more informal way to express excitement and anticipation.

greatly anticipating

Similar to "really looking forward to" but places more emphasis on the degree of anticipation.

excitedly awaiting

Highlights the excitement associated with the upcoming event or experience.

thrilled about

Focuses on the feeling of thrill and excitement regarding the event or experience.

eagerly anticipating

Emphasizes anticipation but with a slightly more formal tone.

enthusiastically anticipating

Emphasizes the positive and energetic feeling of anticipation.

keenly awaiting

Suggests a strong sense of eagerness and expectation.

awaiting with eagerness

Rephrases the sentiment to focus on the act of awaiting with a strong sense of eagerness.

with great anticipation

Expresses the sentiment in a more formal and descriptive manner.

counting down the days

Implies a longer waiting period with growing excitement.

FAQs

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

You can use "really looking forward to" to express excitement or anticipation about a future event. For example, "I'm really looking forward to the concert next week".

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

You can use alternatives like "eagerly anticipating", "greatly anticipating", or "can't wait for" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous examples from reputable sources.

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

Adding "really" simply emphasizes the degree of excitement or anticipation. "Really looking forward to" conveys a stronger sense of enthusiasm than just "looking forward to".