look forward to
Anticipate something with pleasure
Literally: to watch or direct the eyes toward the front to
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses excitement or happy anticipation for a future event.
- Always follow with a noun or a verb ending in -ing.
- Perfect for both professional emails and casual social plans.
Meaning
This phrase is used to say you are excited or happy about something that is going to happen in the future. It's like your mind is already enjoying the event before it even starts.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ending a job interview email
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Texting a friend about dinner
I'm really looking forward to that pizza tonight!
I'm really looking forward to that pizza tonight!
Talking about a holiday
She is looking forward to her trip to Paris.
She is looking forward to her trip to Paris.
Cultural Background
This phrase became a staple of English correspondence in the 19th century. It reflects a cultural value of optimism and 'looking ahead' rather than dwelling on the past. Today, it is the most common way to end a professional email in the Western world.
The 'To' Trap
Many people think 'to' is part of an infinitive (like 'to eat'), but here it is a preposition. That's why you must use '-ing'!
State vs. Action
Use 'I look forward to' for a general feeling, but use 'I am looking forward to' if you want to sound more excited and immediate.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses excitement or happy anticipation for a future event.
- Always follow with a noun or a verb ending in -ing.
- Perfect for both professional emails and casual social plans.
What It Means
Look forward to is all about anticipation. It means you are waiting for something with a smile on your face. You aren't just waiting; you are excited. It is the feeling you get the night before a big vacation. Your body is here, but your mind is already there.
How To Use It
This phrase has a tricky grammar rule. You must use a noun or a verb ending in -ing after it. For example, say I look forward to meeting you, not to meet. It feels a bit like a trap, but once you master the -ing, you sound like a pro. You can use it in the present simple or the continuous I am looking forward to for extra energy.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is a future event that makes you happy. It works perfectly for professional emails to show you are eager. It also works for weekend plans with your best friends. Use it when someone invites you to a party. Use it when you finally book that flight to Bali. It is a very positive and polite way to end a conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things you are scared of. You wouldn't say you look forward to a root canal at the dentist. Unless you really love dental work, that would sound very sarcastic. Also, avoid using it for things happening right now. It is strictly for the future. If you're already at the party, just say you're having fun!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is the 'gold standard' for politeness. It bridges the gap between being professional and being friendly. It shows you are engaged and interested in the other person. In the UK and USA, ending an email without this can sometimes feel a bit cold or abrupt. It’s the social glue of future planning.
Common Variations
If you want to be super casual, just say Can't wait! with your friends. In a very formal business letter, you might use I await your reply. However, look forward to sits right in the middle. It is the 'Goldilocks' of phrases—not too stiff, not too messy. It is just right for almost every situation you will encounter.
Usage Notes
This is a versatile 'safe' phrase. It works in 90% of situations where you need to talk about future plans politely.
The 'To' Trap
Many people think 'to' is part of an infinitive (like 'to eat'), but here it is a preposition. That's why you must use '-ing'!
State vs. Action
Use 'I look forward to' for a general feeling, but use 'I am looking forward to' if you want to sound more excited and immediate.
The Sarcasm Shield
In the UK, if someone says 'I look forward to it' with a flat voice about something boring, they are definitely being sarcastic.
Examples
6I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Standard professional closing.
I'm really looking forward to that pizza tonight!
I'm really looking forward to that pizza tonight!
Using the continuous '-ing' version adds more personal excitement.
She is looking forward to her trip to Paris.
She is looking forward to her trip to Paris.
Followed by a simple noun 'trip'.
Oh yeah, I'm really looking forward to cleaning the bathroom.
Oh yeah, I'm really looking forward to cleaning the bathroom.
The 'Oh yeah' and tone make this funny because nobody likes cleaning.
I look forward to the day we don't have to say goodbye.
I look forward to the day we don't have to say goodbye.
Expresses deep hope and future happiness.
We look forward to a productive partnership.
We look forward to a productive partnership.
Sets a positive tone for a new business relationship.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to follow the phrase.
I look forward to ___ you at the conference.
After 'look forward to', we always use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
Identify the most natural use of the phrase.
I ___ to the weekend.
The set collocation is 'look forward to'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Range of 'Look Forward To'
Used with friends (often 'looking forward to')
Looking forward to the party!
Everyday conversation and standard emails
I look forward to our meeting.
Business contracts or very polite letters
We look forward to your favorable reply.
Where to use 'Look Forward To'
Work Email
I look forward to your feedback.
Travel Plans
Looking forward to the beach!
Socializing
I look forward to seeing you.
Big Events
We look forward to the wedding.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI look forward to ___ you at the conference.
After 'look forward to', we always use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
I ___ to the weekend.
The set collocation is 'look forward to'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is always look forward to seeing. The word to is a preposition here, so it needs a noun or a gerund following it.
Probably not, unless you are looking forward to being single! It is a positive phrase, so it doesn't fit sad or negative contexts.
I look forward to is slightly more formal and permanent. I am looking forward to is more casual and shows active, current excitement.
Not at all, but you can shorten it to Looking forward to it! to make it feel more relaxed for a text message.
No, this phrase is strictly for future events. For the past, you would say I enjoyed or I am glad that happened.
Yes, you can simply say Can't wait! if you are with friends. It carries the same meaning but with more energy.
Usually, it starts a new sentence like I look forward to your reply. before your sign-off like Best regards.
Usually, you look forward to an action or an event. Instead of I look forward to you, say I look forward to seeing you.
That is exactly what this phrase is for! It is a polite social convention used in business even if the meeting might be boring.
Yes, it is equally common and used the same way in all major English dialects.
Related Phrases
Can't wait
An informal, high-energy way to show excitement.
Anticipate
A more formal, clinical word for expecting something to happen.
Count down the days
An idiom meaning you are so excited you are tracking the time.
Await
A very formal version of waiting for something, often used in legal or official contexts.
