~을 고대하다 + 동명사 (미래에 대한 기대)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'look forward to' followed by an '-ing' verb or a noun to express positive anticipation for a future event.
- Always use a gerund (-ing) after 'to', never the base verb. Example: 'I look forward to meeting you.'
- The 'to' here is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Example: 'I look forward to the weekend.'
- Use the continuous 'am looking forward to' for a more personal, friendly tone in conversation.
Overview
look forward to라는 표현이 있습니다.to라는 단어가 항상 기본 동사로 이어진다고 생각합니다. I want to eat처럼요. 하지만 여기서 to는 사실 전치사입니다.verb + ing 형태입니다.to에 속아 초보적인 실수를 하지 않도록 주의하세요. 원어민조차도 WhatsApp에서 너무 빨리 타이핑할 때 가끔 실수하곤 합니다. 그러니 선생님이 왜 당신의 에세이에서 to에 계속 동그라미를 쳤는지 궁금했다면, 바로 이것 때문입니다.How This Grammar Works
to라는 단어를 이해하는 데 있습니다. 영어에서 to는 두 가지 다른 정체성을 가집니다. 때로는 부정사의 표식일 뿐이고, 때로는 전치사입니다.look forward to라고 말할 때, 당신은 당신의 설렘을 '무언가'를 향해 가리키고 있는 것입니다.ing를 붙여서 그렇게 할 수 있습니다.see를 seeing으로 바꿉니다. 이제 seeing은 활동의 이름처럼 작용합니다. 더 이상 당신이 수행하는 단순한 동작이 아닙니다.to가 그것을 붙잡을 수 있게 됩니다. 기본 동사를 사용하면 다리가 무너집니다.Formation Pattern
I, You, We, My boss.
look을 추가하세요: look(습관/사실) 또는 am looking(현재의 기분)을 사용할 수 있습니다.
forward to를 추가하세요: 이 단어들은 절대 바꾸지 마세요. 한 팀입니다.
ing를 붙입니다 (예: meeting, going, buying).
I (주어) + am looking forward to (문구) + chatting (동명사) + with you later (나머지).
to는 문구의 일부입니다. 그것을 동사의 일부로 취급하지 마세요. 만약 I look forward to to meeting이라고 말한다면 to가 너무 많습니다! 한 머리에 모자를 두 개 쓰는 것과 같습니다. 우스꽝스럽고 무겁게 느껴지죠. 동명사 대신 간단한 명사를 사용할 수도 있습니다. I look forward to the weekend는 완벽한 문장입니다. 동명사는 명사의 '동사 버전'일 뿐입니다.
When To Use It
I look forward to hearing from you라고 써보세요.Looking forward to exploring Tokyo!를 사용하세요. 게임에서도 유용합니다. 새로운 DLC를 기다리고 있나요?I'm looking forward to playing the new map이라고 말해보세요. 데이팅 앱에서도 완벽합니다. '보고 싶다'고 말하는 대신 I'm looking forward to seeing you라고 해보세요.We are looking forward to showing you this hidden gem이라고 말합니다. 미래의 무언가가 당신을 행복하게 한다는 것을 보여주고 싶을 때마다 이것을 사용하세요.Common Mistakes
I look forward to meet you라고 말하곤 합니다. 이것은 영어 문법의 '죽음의 함정'입니다. I want to meet you 같은 문구 때문에 자연스럽게 느껴질 수 있습니다. 하지만 기억하세요, look forward to는 특별한 클럽입니다. 입장이 매우 엄격합니다. 명사와 동명사만 허용됩니다! 또 다른 실수는 to를 완전히 잊어버리는 것입니다. I look forward meeting you는 신체 일부가 빠진 것처럼 들립니다. 어색하죠. 어떤 학습자들은 여전히 설레는 중인데도 과거형 looked forward to를 쓰려고 합니다. 이벤트가 아직 일어나지 않았다면 현재형을 유지하세요. look이나 am looking을 사용하세요. 또한 동명사의 철자에 주의하세요. 필요한 경우 자음을 겹쳐 쓰는 것을 잊지 마세요 (예: getting, running). 마지막으로 looking for와 혼동하지 마세요. 그것은 열쇠를 잃어버렸다는 뜻입니다. Looking forward to는 미래에 대해 기대하고 있다는 뜻입니다. 이 두 가지를 혼동하면 아주 이상한 대화가 될 수 있습니다. 상사에게 회의를 '즐겁게 기다리는' (looking forward to) 것이 아니라 '찾고 있다' (looking for)고 말한다고 상상해보세요. 하나는 정돈된 느낌이지만, 다른 하나는 복도에서 길을 잃고 헤매는 느낌입니다!Contrast With Similar Patterns
want to나 hope to와 어떻게 다를까요? 그것들은 부정사를 사용합니다. I want to go는 직접적인 욕구입니다.I look forward to going은 기대하고 있는 상태입니다. Want는 목표에 관한 것입니다. Look forward to는 기다리는 감정에 관한 것입니다.I look forward to...는 약간 더 격식 있습니다.I am looking forward to...는 더 개인적이고 구어체에서 흔합니다. 더 '능동적'이고 즉각적으로 느껴집니다.plan to와도 비교해보세요. plan to go라고 하면 일정이 있는 것입니다.look forward to going이라고 하면 감정이 있는 것입니다. 설레지 않아도 무언가를 계획할 수는 있습니다 (치과에 갈 계획을 세우는 것처럼요!). 하지만 당신은 오직 당신을 미소 짓게 하는 일들에 대해서만 look forward to 합니다.Quick FAQ
명사와 함께 사용할 수 있나요?
물론이죠! I look forward to the party는 아주 좋습니다.
I'm looking forward to it이라고 해도 되나요?
네, 대화를 마무리하는 완벽한 방법입니다.
항상 긍정적이어야 하나요?
보통 그렇습니다. 자동차 사고를 '기대하며 기다리지는' 않으니까요.
콤마는요?
to나 동명사 앞에 콤마는 필요하지 않습니다.
과거형으로 쓸 수 있나요?
네, I was looking forward to the concert (하지만 취소된 경우 등).
친구들에게 너무 격식 차린 느낌인가요?
아니요, 진행형인 am ...ing 형태를 쓰면 캐주얼합니다.
그렇게 설레지 않는다면요?
그렇다면 대신 I'm ready for...나 I'm planning on...을 사용하세요.
Looking forward!만 써도 되나요?
짧은 문자나 이메일에서는 네, 매우 흔한 줄임말입니다.
I look forward to seeing you soon이라고 해도 되나요?
네, 클래식하고 완벽한 문장입니다.
Conjugating 'Look Forward To'
| Tense | Subject | Verb Form | Object (Gerund/Noun) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I / You / We / They
|
look forward to
|
meeting you
|
|
Present Simple
|
He / She / It
|
looks forward to
|
the party
|
|
Present Continuous
|
I
|
am looking forward to
|
traveling
|
|
Present Continuous
|
He / She / It
|
is looking forward to
|
seeing us
|
|
Past Simple
|
All subjects
|
looked forward to
|
the break
|
|
Present Perfect
|
I / You / We / They
|
have looked forward to
|
this day
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
I am looking forward to
|
I'm looking forward to
|
Informal/Neutral speech
|
|
You are looking forward to
|
You're looking forward to
|
Informal/Neutral speech
|
|
We are looking forward to
|
We're looking forward to
|
Informal/Neutral speech
|
|
She is looking forward to
|
She's looking forward to
|
Informal/Neutral speech
|
Meanings
To feel happy and excited about something that is going to happen in the future.
Professional Correspondence
A polite way to end a business email or letter, indicating readiness for the next step.
“I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
“We look forward to receiving your proposal.”
Social Anticipation
Expressing personal excitement about a social event or meeting a friend.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing you tonight!”
“Are you looking forward to the party?”
Anticipatory Relief
Looking forward to the end of a difficult period or a break.
“I'm looking forward to finishing this project.”
“She is looking forward to having some peace and quiet.”
Reference Table
| 상황 | Example Phrase | Correct Form | 느낌 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
주말 계획
|
Looking forward to...
|
…`going` to the beach.
|
설렘, 간절함
|
|
업무 이메일 마무리
|
I look forward to...
|
…`hearing` from you.
|
정중한 기대
|
|
다가오는 회의
|
We're looking forward to...
|
…`discussing` this further.
|
기대, 준비됨
|
|
사교 모임
|
She's looking forward to...
|
…`meeting` everyone.
|
기쁨, 열정
|
|
여행 계획
|
They're looking forward to...
|
…`exploring` the city.
|
모험, 행복
|
|
휴식
|
He's looking forward to...
|
…`unwinding` after work.
|
안도, 평화
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the proposal. (Meeting someone)
I'm looking forward to meeting you next week. (Meeting someone)
Looking forward to seeing you! (Meeting someone)
Can't wait to catch up! (Meeting someone)
'Look Forward To' 개념 지도
구조
- Subject + (to be) + looking forward to 기본 구문
- Gerund (-ing verb) 동사 역할을 하는 명사
- Noun 기대의 대상
용법
- Future Plans 미래 계획 (예: 새로운 직업을 `starting`)
- Social Events 사교 모임 (예: 친구들을 `meeting`)
- Formal Closings 격식 있는 마무리 (예: 당신에게서 `hearing`)
흔한 실수
- Infinitive (to + base verb) 부정사 (예: `to go`처럼 잘못된 표현)
- Missing 'to be' 'to be' 동사 누락 (예: `I looking forward`처럼 잘못된 표현)
감정
- Excitement 강한 긍정적 느낌
- Anticipation 간절한 기대
'Look Forward To' vs. 'Excited To' 비교
'Look Forward To' 올바르게 사용하기
미래에 일어날 일이나 행동에 대한 설레는 기대감을 표현하고 싶으신가요?
그 행동이 동사인가요?
문장이 '주어 + be동사 + looking forward to + 동명사/명사'로 완전한가요?
우리가 기대하는 것들
여가 및 즐거움
- • traveling
- • relaxing
- • playing games
- • watching movies
사교 및 가족
- • meeting friends
- • visiting family
- • catching up
- • celebrating birthdays
일 및 학습
- • starting a new job
- • collaborating on projects
- • presenting ideas
- • learning new skills
일상 속 기대
- • having coffee
- • getting home
- • eating dinner
- • the weekend
수준별 예문
I look forward to the party.
Espero con ansias la fiesta.
I look forward to meeting you.
Espero conocerte.
We look forward to the holiday.
Esperamos las vacaciones.
I look forward to your call.
Espero tu llamada.
I am looking forward to seeing my family.
Estoy deseando ver a mi familia.
She is looking forward to starting school.
Ella está ansiosa por empezar la escuela.
Are you looking forward to the concert?
¿Tienes ganas del concierto?
They are not looking forward to the rain.
No tienen ganas de que llueva.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Quedo a la espera de sus noticias lo antes posible.
We are really looking forward to visiting the new gallery.
Tenemos muchas ganas de visitar la nueva galería.
He was looking forward to retiring after forty years of work.
Él estaba deseando jubilarse después de cuarenta años de trabajo.
I'm looking forward to not having to wake up early tomorrow.
Tengo ganas de no tener que despertarme temprano mañana.
I look forward to representing the company at the upcoming conference.
Espero representar a la empresa en la próxima conferencia.
The team is looking forward to implementing the new software updates.
El equipo está ansioso por implementar las nuevas actualizaciones de software.
I've been looking forward to this dinner for weeks.
He estado esperando esta cena durante semanas.
She is looking forward to having her hard work finally recognized.
Ella espera que su arduo trabajo sea finalmente reconocido.
We look forward to forging a long-lasting partnership with your firm.
Esperamos forjar una asociación duradera con su firma.
I look forward to your providing a detailed explanation for these discrepancies.
Espero que proporcione una explicación detallada de estas discrepancias.
The researchers are looking forward to analyzing the data gathered during the eclipse.
Los investigadores esperan analizar los datos recopilados durante el eclipse.
I'm looking forward to there being more transparency in the future.
Espero que haya más transparencia en el futuro.
One might look forward to the day when such measures are no longer necessary.
Uno podría esperar el día en que tales medidas ya no sean necesarias.
I look forward to the resolution of this matter with the utmost anticipation.
Espero la resolución de este asunto con la mayor anticipación.
He looked forward to the trial as a means of vindicating his reputation.
Él esperaba el juicio como un medio para reivindicar su reputación.
The protagonist looks forward to a future unburdened by the ghosts of his past.
El protagonista anhela un futuro libre de los fantasmas de su pasado.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'look forward to' for neutral things like a bus or a doctor's appointment.
Learners think every 'to' must be followed by a base verb.
Expect is about probability; look forward to is about emotion.
자주 하는 실수
I look forward to see you.
I look forward to seeing you.
I look forward meeting you.
I look forward to meeting you.
I am looking forward the party.
I am looking forward to the party.
I looking forward to it.
I am looking forward to it.
She looks forward to go home.
She looks forward to going home.
I look forward to hear from you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Are you look forward to the trip?
Are you looking forward to the trip?
I look forward to your come.
I look forward to your coming.
I look forward to the bus arriving.
I am waiting for the bus to arrive.
I look forward to meet with you.
I look forward to meeting with you.
I look forward to you joining us.
I look forward to your joining us.
문장 패턴
I am looking forward to ___.
I am looking forward to ___ing ___.
We look forward to ___ing from you soon.
I'm not looking forward to ___ing ___.
Real World Usage
I look forward to hearing your feedback on the draft.
Looking forward to the movie tonight!
I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.
We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel.
So looking forward to starting this new chapter!
We look forward to serving you again soon!
'전치사 + 명사'처럼 생각하기!
동사 원형은 절대 NO!
짧게 줄여서 편하게 말하기
이메일 마무리 인사로 최고!
부사로 강조하기!
Smart Tips
Use the Present Simple 'I look forward to' to sound more professional and established.
Try to put a noun after it. If it works, use -ing for the verb.
Add 'really' or 'so' to the continuous form.
Use 'I look forward to hearing from you' as a polite way to ask for an answer.
발음
The 'to' reduction
In casual speech, 'to' is often reduced to a 'schwa' sound /tə/.
Linking 'forward' and 'to'
The 'd' in forward often links smoothly to the 't' in to, sounding almost like one word.
Rising excitement
I'm looking FORWARD to it! ↗
Emphasis on 'forward' shows high enthusiasm.
암기하기
기억법
Remember: 'Look forward to' is a bridge to a NOUN. Since a Gerund acts like a noun, it's the only verb form allowed across the bridge.
시각적 연상
Imagine yourself standing on a balcony, looking through a telescope at a giant '-ING' sign in the distance. You are looking forward to reaching that sign.
Rhyme
When you look forward to a thing, make sure the verb ends in -ING!
Story
Leo was a businessman who always wrote 'I look forward to meet you.' He never got any jobs. One day, a bird named Gerund dropped an '-ING' on his letter. He got the job immediately!
Word Web
챌린지
Write three sentences about things you are excited about this month. One must be a noun, and two must be gerunds (-ing verbs).
문화 노트
Using 'I look forward to hearing from you' is the standard, polite way to end an email. Omitting it can sometimes seem abrupt or rude.
This phrase is the closest equivalent to 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' when used at the end of a request or introduction.
On platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn, 'Looking forward!' is a common short comment on event posts.
The phrase combines the literal act of 'looking' in a 'forward' direction with the preposition 'to' indicating the destination.
대화 시작하기
What are you looking forward to this weekend?
Is there a holiday or trip you are looking forward to?
In your career, what milestones are you looking forward to achieving?
Looking back, what was something you were looking forward to that lived up to the hype?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
My sister is really looking forward to ___ her new puppy home.
Find and fix the mistake:
The team is looking forward to present their ideas at the meeting.
Translate into English: 'Estoy deseando ir de vacaciones el próximo mes.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Score: /3
연습 문제
8 exercisesI look forward to ___ (meet) you in person.
Which sentence is best for closing a professional letter?
Find and fix the mistake:
She is looking forward to go to the beach this weekend.
I am excited about the party.
1. I look forward to... / 2. I am looking forward to... / 3. We look forward to...
A: Are you coming to the wedding? B: Yes! I'm really ___.
Pick the odd one out.
forward / to / looking / I / meeting / am / you
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI'm truly looking forward to ___ you at the conference.
She is looking forward for her birthday party next week.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Estoy deseando leer el nuevo libro.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginnings with the correct endings:
The whole family is looking forward to ___ on vacation next month.
He is very looking forward to travel abroad.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Esperamos con interés sus comentarios.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the emotions with the correct phrases:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
No. You must say `I look forward to seeing you`. In this phrase, 'to' is a preposition, and prepositions are followed by nouns or gerunds (-ing).
`I look forward to` is more formal and common in business letters. `I am looking forward to` is more personal and common in conversation or friendly emails.
Yes! You can say `I look forward to the weekend` or `I look forward to your email`.
Yes, you can say `I'm not looking forward to the exam`. It means you are dreading it or not excited about it.
In casual conversation or texting, yes. In formal writing, you should include the subject and verb: `I am looking forward to it`.
Yes. `I was looking forward to the concert, but it was canceled`. This shows you were excited in the past.
Because 'to' is a preposition here, not an infinitive marker. Prepositions always take the -ing form of a verb.
No, it must be `I look forward to meeting with you`. The 'with' doesn't change the rule for the gerund.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Esperar con ansias / Tener ganas de
English uses -ing; Spanish uses the infinitive.
Avoir hâte de / Se réjouir de
French uses the infinitive after 'de'.
Sich freuen auf
German requires a prepositional object or a full clause.
楽しみにしてる (Tanoshimi ni shite iru)
Japanese uses a noun-based construction rather than a phrasal verb.
يتطلع إلى (Yatatalla'u ila)
Very similar structure, as both use a verbal noun/gerund.
期待 (Qīdài)
No preposition is needed in Chinese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
Related Grammar Rules
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