B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 18 min read 中等

期待 + 动名词 (对未来充满期待)

Anticipate future joys correctly: look forward to + gerund is your excited future-tense friend!

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.
👤 + 👀 + ⏩ + 2️⃣ + [Verb-ing / Noun] 🤩

Overview

### 概述
动词短语 look forward to 是英语学习者在 B1 阶段非常重要的一个表达,它能帮助我们传达对未来事件的积极期待或兴奋之情。虽然看起来很简单,但它的语法结构常常会带来挑战,主要是因为其中的 to 实际上是一个介词,而不是构成不定式(infinitive)的标志。熟练掌握这个短语,能让你更自然地表达对即将到来经历的渴望,无论是日常的社交聚会还是正式的商务场合。
理解 look forward to 不仅仅是记住一个短语,更重要的是掌握英语语法的一个基本方面:介词的用法。很多学习者会受到更常见的 to + 动词原形 结构的影响,错误地在 to 后面直接跟动词原形。然而,look forward to 后面必须跟动名词(gerund,即动词的 -ing 形式)或者名词。本文将深入剖析这个规则背后的语言学原理,为你提供一个扎实的应用框架,让你能自信、正确地使用它。
在 B1 阶段,准确使用 look forward to 标志着你的英语沟通能力正在发展,能够从基础交流进入更细致的情感和期望表达。这个短语在口语和书面语中都非常常用,是计划、社交互动和商务信函中不可或缺的一部分。正确使用它,表明你理解了地道的英语表达,并能更清晰地传达你的意图和感受。
### 语法解析
look forward to 这个短语的核心语法在于 to 的功能。在英语中,to 通常有两种主要用法:一种是引导不定式(to + 动词原形,例如 to eat, to study),另一种是作为介词(例如 go to the store, listen to music)。而在 look forward to 这个短语中,to 明确地起到了介词的作用。这一点至关重要,因为英语中的介词后面,永远跟的是名词、代词或者动名词(gerund),而动名词在语法功能上相当于名词。
我们来看这个句子:I am looking forward to my holiday。这里的 holiday 是一个名词,它充当了介词 to 的宾语。当我们要表达对一个动作的期待时,英语要求这个动作以名词的形式出现。这时,动名词(gerund)就派上用场了。动名词就是动词的 -ing 形式,它在语法上充当名词的成分。例如,在 I am looking forward to travelling 这个句子中,travelling 就是一个动名词,它作为介词 to 的宾语,表达了你期待的那个动作。
这种语法现象在其他包含介词 to 的短语动词或固定表达中非常普遍。例如,我们有 object to(反对)、be accustomed to(习惯于)、be used to(习惯于)、contribute to(贡献于)等等。在所有这些例子中,to 都是介词,后面必须跟名词或动名词。你会说 I object to paying too much(我反对付太多钱),而不是 I object to pay too much。同样,She is accustomed to waking up early(她习惯早起),而不是 She is accustomed to wake up early。这种一致性强化了一个规则:介词后面需要一个名词性的成分作为其宾语,而当这个宾语是一个动作时,动名词就能完美地扮演这个角色。
look forward to 这个短语本身在语义上就意味着目光或注意力朝向未来的某个点。其中的 forward(向前)和介词 to(朝向)结合,将这种期待引向一个特定的事件或活动。这种内在的语义结构也支撑了其语法要求:后面必须跟一个名词性的宾语,无论是具体的名词还是被名词化的动作(即动名词)。因此,深刻理解 to 在此是介词而非不定式标志,是掌握 look forward to 的关键。
### 构成模式
要正确使用 look forward to,关键在于将它的各个组成部分正确地组合起来。最常见且最灵活的模式是结合 to be 动词的不同形式,以体现一种持续的期待状态。基本结构如下:
主语 + [ to be 动词的某种形式 ] + looking forward to / look forward to + 动名词 (Verb-ing) / 名词
让我们来分解每个部分:
* 主语 (Subject): 指的是那个产生期待的人或事物(例如:I, You, He, She, It, We, They, The team, My sister)。
* [ to be 动词的某种形式 ]: 这个动词会根据主语和期望的时态进行变化。虽然现在进行时(am looking, is looking, are looking)是最常用的,用于表达即时或持续的期待,但其他时态也是可能的。
* 现在进行时 (最常见): I am looking forward to..., She is looking forward to..., We are looking forward to... 这种形式强调的是当前的期待感受。
* 一般现在时 (较正式/通用): I look forward to..., He looks forward to... 这种形式常用于正式的信函中,表达一种预期,比如邮件结尾(I look forward to your reply. - 期待您的回复)。它也可以表达一种习惯性的、长期的期待(He always looks forward to Fridays. - 他总是期待周五的到来)。
* 过去进行时: I was looking forward to..., They were looking forward to... 用于描述在过去某个特定时间点正在进行的期待,常与过去的某个事件形成对比(I was looking forward to the concert, but it was cancelled. - 我当时很期待那场演唱会,但它被取消了)。
* 将来进行时: I will be looking forward to... 这种用法相对少见,但可以用来表达在未来某个时间点将会持续进行的期待。
* looking forward to / look forward to: 这是核心的短语动词。在进行时态中是 looking forward to,在一般时态中则是 look forward tolooks forward to(第三人称单数)。
* 动名词 (Gerund) / 名词: 这是介词 to 的宾语,具体说明了期待的对象。如果期待的是一个动作,那么必须使用动名词形式(going, meeting, starting)。如果期待的是一个事物,那么就使用名词(the weekend, your visit, my birthday)。
下表全面展示了构成模式:
| 主语 (Subject) | to be 形式 | 短语动词 (Phrasal Verb) | 宾语 (动名词 Gerund) | 宾语 (名词 Noun) | 示例句子 |
| :------------- | :--------- | :------------------------ | :------------------- | :--------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| I | am | looking forward to | starting my new job | the holiday | I am looking forward to starting my new job next week. (我期待下周开始我的新工作。) |
| You | are | looking forward to | hearing from you soon | your visit | Are you looking forward to hearing about their decision? (你期待听到他们的决定吗?) |
| He | is | looking forward to | seeing his friends | the party | He is looking forward to seeing his friends later. (他期待稍后见到他的朋友们。) |
| She | is | looking forward to | presenting her research | the conference | She's looking forward to presenting her research at the conference. (她期待在会议上展示她的研究。) |
| We | are | looking forward to | relaxing on the beach | our vacation | We are looking forward to relaxing on the beach this summer. (我们期待今年夏天在海滩上放松。) |
| They | are | looking forward to | playing the new game | the game release | They are looking forward to playing the new game tonight. (他们期待今晚玩那个新游戏。) |
| It | is | looking forward to | being repaired | its overhaul | The old car is looking forward to being repaired next month. (这辆旧车期待下个月被修理。) |
| The team | is | looking forward to | collaborating on the project | the project launch | The team is looking forward to collaborating on the new project. (团队期待在新项目上合作。) |
| I | (none) | look forward to | receiving your feedback | your feedback | I look forward to receiving your feedback on the proposal. (期待您对该提案的反馈。) (正式,一般现在时) |
| I | was | looking forward to | meeting him | the event | I was looking forward to meeting him, but he cancelled. (我当时期待见到他,但他取消了。) (过去进行时) |
这个表格展示了该短语动词如何在不同主语和时态下进行调整,但始终要求以动名词或名词作为其宾语。关键在于记住这里的 to 是介词,它决定了你后续词语的形式。
### 使用场景
look forward to 是一个非常实用的表达,用于在各种场合传达期待和热情,从日常对话到正式的书面沟通。它的核心功能是表达对未来事件的积极预期。理解其恰当的用法,能够提升你英语表达的清晰度和情感感染力。
  1. 1表达对未来计划的兴奋之情: 这是最常见的用法。当你有了具体的计划,并且真心感到高兴时,就可以使用 look forward to
* I’m really looking forward to my sister's wedding next month. (谈论家庭活动时)
* We’re looking forward to visiting the museum tomorrow. (讨论计划中的活动时)
* She’s looking forward to starting her new internship in the city. (期待职业生涯的新一步时)
  1. 1期待社交互动: 这个短语尤其适用于表达与他人见面或互动的渴望。它能体现你的热情和真诚的兴趣。
* I’m looking forward to catching up with you over coffee on Friday. (安排周五的咖啡聚会时)
* They are looking forward to meeting their new exchange student. (表达对新交换生到来的期待时)
* I was looking forward to seeing you at the conference last week. (回顾过去的期待时)
  1. 1正式和专业的结尾语: 在商务邮件、信函或官方沟通中,look forward to(通常使用一般现在时形式)是一种标准且礼貌的表达,用于表达对回复、会议或进一步沟通的预期。这种用法能保持专业又不失人情味。
* I look forward to your prompt response regarding this matter. (正式邮件结尾)
* We look forward to collaborating with your team on this project. (商务信函)
* Thank you for your application; we look forward to interviewing you next week. (招聘沟通)
  1. 1表达希望、梦想和普遍愿望: 除了眼前的计划,这个短语还可以用来阐述更广泛的希望或愿望,无论它们是即将实现还是比较遥远。
* Many students look forward to graduating and starting their careers. (普遍的职业愿望)
* He’s looking forward to mastering a new programming language. (个人发展目标)
* I'm looking forward to a time when travel is easier and more accessible. (对社会更广泛的希望)
  1. 1使用 It 作为代词指代: 当期待的对象在对话中已经明确时,可以使用 it 来简洁地指代。
* A: The concert is going to be amazing! (音乐会会很棒!)
* B: I know, I’m really looking forward to it! (我知道,我真的很期待!)(这里的 it 指代 the concert)
* A: Are you ready for your presentation? (你准备好做你的报告了吗?)
* B: Yes, I'm actually looking forward to it. (是的,我其实很期待。)(这里的 it 指代 your presentation)
文化小贴士: 在英语文化中,持续使用 look forward to 是礼貌且投入的沟通方式。它通常比直接陈述“我期待”等语气更委婉,更能表达积极的情感投入,从而有助于建立和维护人际关系。例如,与其说 I expect your email (我预期你的邮件),不如说 I look forward to your email (期待您的邮件),这样语气更显友好和积极。
### 常见错误
尽管 look forward to 非常常用,但中国(Simplified)的学习者在掌握它时,常常会遇到一些特定的困难,这主要是因为母语(中文)的语法习惯迁移到了英语中。
  1. 1错误用法:look forward to + 动词原形
* 错误示例: I am looking forward to meet you.
* 原因分析: 这是最最常见的错误!中文里我们说“我期待见到你”,结构上似乎是“期待 + 动词”。而英语中,表示期待的 to 是介词,介词后面必须跟名词或动名词。很多同学看到 to 就自然而然地联想到不定式,然后跟了动词原形。但在这里,to 是介词,它后面需要的是动名词 meeting,而不是动词原形 meet
* 正确用法: I am looking forward to meeting you.
  1. 1错误用法:混淆 look forward tolook forward
* 错误示例: I look forward for your reply.
* 原因分析: 有些学习者可能在其他语境中见过 look forward,但 look forward to 是一个固定的短语,表示“期待”。单独的 look forward 意思不同,且后面不跟 tofor 来表达期待。这个短语的结构是固定的,to 是必不可少的,并且它后面要跟名词或动名词。
* 正确用法: I look forward to your reply.
  1. 1错误用法:时态和主语一致性问题(特别是第三人称单数)
* 错误示例: He look forward to the party.
* 原因分析: 这个错误不完全是 look forward to 特有的,而是英语一般现在时第三人称单数规则的普遍问题。中文里动词没有单复数变化(我吃,他吃),但在英语中,当主语是第三人称单数(he, she, it, the company 等)且时态是一般现在时(表示习惯性或事实性的期待)时,look 需要变成 looks
* 正确用法: He looks forward to the party.
  1. 1误以为 to 总是引导不定式
* 原因分析: 如前所述,这是根本原因。英语中 to 的双重身份(不定式标志 vs. 介词)是造成混淆的关键。一旦你牢记 look forward to 中的 to 是介词,这个错误就迎刃而解了。
* 记忆技巧: 想象一下 to 后面跟了一个“东西”(名词或动名词),而不是一个“动作”(动词原形)。
### 与相似表达的对比
在英语中,除了 look forward to,还有一些表达可以传达对未来的期待或关注。理解它们之间的细微差别,能让你更精准地表达。
| 表达 (Expression) | 结构 (Structure) | 侧重点 (Focus) | 常见搭配 (Common Collocations) | 中文示例 |
| :---------------- | :--------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- |
| look forward to | look forward to + Noun / Gerund | 积极的期待、兴奋,强调主观感受。 | meeting, hearing, the holiday, your visit | 我非常期待见到你。/ 我很期待这次假期。 |
| expect | expect + Noun / expect + to-infinitive | 预期、认为会发生,更客观,不一定带有强烈情感。 | expect a reply, expect to arrive, expectancy | 我预期他会准时到达。/ 我预计会有回复。 |
| anticipate | anticipate + Noun / Gerund / anticipate + to-infinitive | 预料、预见,可能包含为应对而做的准备。 | anticipate problems, anticipate changes, anticipation | 我们预见到了这些潜在的问题。 |
| wait for | wait for + Noun / wait + to-infinitive | 等待,强调时间流逝,可能带有耐心或不耐烦。 | wait for the bus, wait to hear, waiting game | 我在等你的消息。/ 我们在等公交车。 |
| hope for | hope for + Noun / hope + to-infinitive | 希望,表达一种愿望,事情发生与否不确定。 | hope for the best, hope to succeed, hopeful | 我希望一切顺利。/ 她希望能够成功。 |
关键区别:
* 情感色彩: look forward to 带有强烈的积极情感,表示兴奋和愉悦的期待。expectanticipate 则更中性,偏向于预测。wait for 强调的是等待的过程,情感色彩不确定(可以是积极的,也可以是不耐烦的)。hope for 表达的是一种愿望,可能性不确定。
* 语法结构: look forward to 后面必须跟名词或动名词。而 expectanticipate 后面可以跟名词、动名词,也可以跟不定式(to + 动词原形)。wait forhope for 后面跟名词或动名词,但 waithope 本身也可以直接跟不定式(wait to do, hope to do)。
例如,在淘宝购物后,你可以说:
* I'm looking forward to receiving my package! (我非常期待收到我的包裹!—— 表达兴奋)
* I expect my package to arrive tomorrow. (我预期我的包裹明天会到。—— 强调预测)
* I'm waiting for my package. (我在等我的包裹。—— 强调等待)
* I hope my package arrives soon. (我希望我的包裹快点到。—— 表达愿望)
### 快速问答 (Quick FAQ)
  1. 1问:look forward to 后面一定只能跟 -ing 形式吗?
答:不一定。look forward to 后面可以跟名词(比如 the party, your visit)或者动名词(gerund,动词的 -ing 形式,比如 meeting, travelling)。当你想表达对一个“动作”的期待时,用动名词;当你想表达对一个“事物”或“事件”的期待时,用名词。
  1. 1问:为什么有时看到 I look forward to... 而不是 I am looking forward to...?有什么区别?
答:I am looking forward to... (现在进行时) 强调的是当前正在经历的、持续的期待感,通常用于口语或描述即时心情。而 I look forward to... (一般现在时) 常常用在正式的书面语中,比如商务邮件的结尾,表示一种礼貌的、例行的预期,比如“期待您的回复”。它也可以表示一种更普遍的、习惯性的期待,比如 He looks forward to weekends. (他总是期待周末)。两者都正确,但使用场景略有不同。
  1. 1问:tolook forward to 中到底是什么词性?
答:在 look forward to 这个短语中,to 是一个介词 (preposition)。这一点非常重要,因为它决定了 to 后面的词必须是名词或动名词,而不是动词原形。记住:介词后面跟名词性成分。
  1. 1问:如果我想表达“不期待”或“害怕”会发生某事,能用 look forward to 吗?
答:不能。look forward to 只能表达积极的、正面的期待。如果你想表达不期待或害怕,需要用其他表达,比如 I'm not looking forward to... (我不期待...),或者 I dread... (我害怕...),I'm worried about... (我担心...) 等等。例如:I'm not looking forward to the exam. (我不期待考试。) I dread having to work overtime. (我害怕不得不加班。)

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.

1

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.”

2

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?”

3

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

Reference table for 期待 + 动名词 (对未来充满期待)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative (Formal)
Subject + look forward to + [Noun/Gerund]
I look forward to your reply.
Affirmative (Neutral)
Subject + be + looking forward to + [Noun/Gerund]
I'm looking forward to seeing you.
Negative
Subject + be + not + looking forward to + [Noun/Gerund]
He isn't looking forward to the move.
Question
Be + subject + looking forward to + [Noun/Gerund]?
Are you looking forward to the trip?
Short Answer (+)
Yes, subject + be.
Yes, I am.
Short Answer (-)
No, subject + be + not.
No, I'm not.
Past Tense
Subject + looked forward to + [Noun/Gerund]
We looked forward to the holidays.

正式程度

正式
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the proposal.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the proposal. (Meeting someone)

中性
I'm looking forward to meeting you next week.

I'm looking forward to meeting you next week. (Meeting someone)

非正式
Looking forward to seeing you!

Looking forward to seeing you! (Meeting someone)

俚语
Can't wait to catch up!

Can't wait to catch up! (Meeting someone)

The 'To' Bridge

Look Forward To

Noun Path

  • The Weekend the weekend
  • Your Email your email

Gerund Path

  • Meeting meeting
  • Traveling traveling

Formal vs. Informal Anticipation

Formal (Business)
I look forward to hearing from you. Professional sign-off
Informal (Friends)
I'm looking forward to seeing you! Warm and personal

Is it a Gerund or Infinitive?

1

Are you using 'Look Forward To'?

YES
Go to next step
NO
Check other rules
2

Can you replace the verb with 'it'?

YES
Use -ING (Gerund)
NO
Re-evaluate sentence

Common Objects

🎉

Events

  • The party
  • The wedding
  • The concert
🏃

Actions

  • Meeting you
  • Starting the job
  • Going home

按水平分级的例句

1

I look forward to the party.

Espero con ansias la fiesta.

2

I look forward to meeting you.

Espero conocerte.

3

We look forward to the holiday.

Esperamos las vacaciones.

4

I look forward to your call.

Espero tu llamada.

1

I am looking forward to seeing my family.

Estoy deseando ver a mi familia.

2

She is looking forward to starting school.

Ella está ansiosa por empezar la escuela.

3

Are you looking forward to the concert?

¿Tienes ganas del concierto?

4

They are not looking forward to the rain.

No tienen ganas de que llueva.

1

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Quedo a la espera de sus noticias lo antes posible.

2

We are really looking forward to visiting the new gallery.

Tenemos muchas ganas de visitar la nueva galería.

3

He was looking forward to retiring after forty years of work.

Él estaba deseando jubilarse después de cuarenta años de trabajo.

4

I'm looking forward to not having to wake up early tomorrow.

Tengo ganas de no tener que despertarme temprano mañana.

1

I look forward to representing the company at the upcoming conference.

Espero representar a la empresa en la próxima conferencia.

2

The team is looking forward to implementing the new software updates.

El equipo está ansioso por implementar las nuevas actualizaciones de software.

3

I've been looking forward to this dinner for weeks.

He estado esperando esta cena durante semanas.

4

She is looking forward to having her hard work finally recognized.

Ella espera que su arduo trabajo sea finalmente reconocido.

1

We look forward to forging a long-lasting partnership with your firm.

Esperamos forjar una asociación duradera con su firma.

2

I look forward to your providing a detailed explanation for these discrepancies.

Espero que proporcione una explicación detallada de estas discrepancias.

3

The researchers are looking forward to analyzing the data gathered during the eclipse.

Los investigadores esperan analizar los datos recopilados durante el eclipse.

4

I'm looking forward to there being more transparency in the future.

Espero que haya más transparencia en el futuro.

1

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.

2

I look forward to the resolution of this matter with the utmost anticipation.

Espero la resolución de este asunto con la mayor anticipación.

3

He looked forward to the trial as a means of vindicating his reputation.

Él esperaba el juicio como un medio para reivindicar su reputación.

4

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.

容易混淆

Look Forward To + Gerund (Excited About the Future) 对比 Look forward to vs. Wait for

Learners use 'look forward to' for neutral things like a bus or a doctor's appointment.

Look Forward To + Gerund (Excited About the Future) 对比 To as Infinitive vs. To as Preposition

Learners think every 'to' must be followed by a base verb.

Look Forward To + Gerund (Excited About the Future) 对比 Look forward to vs. Expect

Expect is about probability; look forward to is about emotion.

常见错误

I look forward to see you.

I look forward to seeing you.

You must use -ing after 'to' in this phrase.

I look forward meeting you.

I look forward to meeting you.

Don't forget the word 'to'.

I am looking forward the party.

I am looking forward to the party.

You need 'to' before the noun.

I looking forward to it.

I am looking forward to it.

Don't forget the verb 'to be' (am/is/are).

She looks forward to go home.

She looks forward to going home.

Even with 'he/she/it', the verb after 'to' must be -ing.

I look forward to hear from you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

This is the most common error in business emails.

Are you look forward to the trip?

Are you looking forward to the trip?

In questions with 'Are', use the -ing form of 'look'.

I look forward to your come.

I look forward to your coming.

Use a gerund or a noun, not a base verb as a noun.

I look forward to the bus arriving.

I am waiting for the bus to arrive.

Don't use 'look forward to' for neutral or boring events.

I look forward to meet with you.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Even with 'with', the first verb must be a gerund.

I look forward to you joining us.

I look forward to your joining us.

In very formal English, the possessive 'your' is preferred before the gerund.

句型

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

Business Email constant

I look forward to hearing your feedback on the draft.

Texting a Friend very common

Looking forward to the movie tonight!

Job Interview common

I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.

Travel Booking common

We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel.

Social Media Post very common

So looking forward to starting this new chapter!

Food Delivery App occasional

We look forward to serving you again soon!

💡

The Noun Test

If you aren't sure if you should use -ing, try replacing the verb with 'it'. If 'I look forward to it' sounds correct, then you must use the -ing form of the verb.
⚠️

The 'To' Trap

Don't let the word 'to' trick you into thinking it's an infinitive. In this phrase, 'to' is a preposition, just like 'in' or 'at'.
🎯

Tone Control

Use 'I look forward to' (Present Simple) for bosses and clients. Use 'I'm looking forward to' (Present Continuous) for colleagues and friends.
💬

Polite Pressure

In business, 'I look forward to receiving the report' is a polite way of saying 'Send me the report soon!'

Smart Tips

Use the Present Simple 'I look forward to' to sound more professional and established.

I'm looking forward to your reply. I look forward to your reply.

Try to put a noun after it. If it works, use -ing for the verb.

I look forward to (go). I look forward to (the trip) -> I look forward to going.

Add 'really' or 'so' to the continuous form.

I am looking forward to seeing you. I am really looking forward to seeing you!

Use 'I look forward to hearing from you' as a polite way to ask for an answer.

Please answer me soon. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

发音

/lʊk ˈfɔːrwərd tə/

The 'to' reduction

In casual speech, 'to' is often reduced to a 'schwa' sound /tə/.

for-war-tu

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.

记住它

记忆技巧

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.

视觉联想

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

AnticipateEagerExcitedGerundPrepositionFutureCorrespondence

挑战

Write three sentences about things you are excited about this month. One must be a noun, and two must be gerunds (-ing verbs).

文化笔记

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.

对话开场白

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?

日记主题

Write about three things you are looking forward to in the next year.
Describe a professional goal and explain why you look forward to reaching it.
Write a formal email to a potential employer after an interview.
Reflect on the concept of anticipation. Is looking forward to something better than the thing itself?

常见错误

Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

I look forward to ___ (meet) you in person.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: meeting
After 'look forward to', we always use the gerund (-ing) form.
Choose the most natural sentence for a business email. 多项选择

Which sentence is best for closing a professional letter?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I look forward to hearing from you.
The present simple 'I look forward to' + gerund is the standard formal closing.
Identify the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is looking forward to go to the beach this weekend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to go
It should be 'to going' because 'look forward to' requires a gerund.
Rewrite the sentence using 'look forward to'. Sentence Transformation

I am excited about the party.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I look forward to the party.
'Look forward to' can be followed directly by a noun like 'the party'.
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-your reply, 2-seeing you, 3-welcoming you
All endings must be nouns or gerunds.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Are you coming to the wedding? B: Yes! I'm really ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: looking forward to it
In speech, the present continuous 'looking forward to' is most common.
Which of these is NOT followed by a gerund? Grammar Sorting

Pick the odd one out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Want to
'Want to' is followed by an infinitive (base verb). The others use 'to' as a preposition.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

forward / to / looking / I / meeting / am / you

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am looking forward to meeting you.
The standard order is Subject + be + looking forward to + gerund.

Score: /8

练习题

8 exercises
Fill in the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

I look forward to ___ (meet) you in person.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: meeting
After 'look forward to', we always use the gerund (-ing) form.
Choose the most natural sentence for a business email. 多项选择

Which sentence is best for closing a professional letter?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I look forward to hearing from you.
The present simple 'I look forward to' + gerund is the standard formal closing.
Identify the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She is looking forward to go to the beach this weekend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to go
It should be 'to going' because 'look forward to' requires a gerund.
Rewrite the sentence using 'look forward to'. Sentence Transformation

I am excited about the party.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I look forward to the party.
'Look forward to' can be followed directly by a noun like 'the party'.
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending. Match Pairs

1. I look forward to... / 2. I am looking forward to... / 3. We look forward to...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-your reply, 2-seeing you, 3-welcoming you
All endings must be nouns or gerunds.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Are you coming to the wedding? B: Yes! I'm really ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: looking forward to it
In speech, the present continuous 'looking forward to' is most common.
Which of these is NOT followed by a gerund? Grammar Sorting

Pick the odd one out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Want to
'Want to' is followed by an infinitive (base verb). The others use 'to' as a preposition.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

forward / to / looking / I / meeting / am / you

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I am looking forward to meeting you.
The standard order is Subject + be + looking forward to + gerund.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form. 填空

I'm truly looking forward to ___ you at the conference.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: meeting
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

She is looking forward for her birthday party next week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is looking forward to her birthday party next week.
Which sentence is correct? 多项选择

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We are looking forward to eating at that new restaurant.
Type the correct English sentence. 翻译

Translate into English: 'Estoy deseando leer el nuevo libro.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I'm looking forward to reading the new book.","I am looking forward to reading the new book."]
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'm looking forward to seeing the movie
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the beginnings with the correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the correct form. 填空

The whole family is looking forward to ___ on vacation next month.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: going
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

He is very looking forward to travel abroad.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is very looking forward to traveling abroad.
Which sentence is correct? 多项选择

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My boss is looking forward to reviewing the report tomorrow.
Type the correct English sentence. 翻译

Translate into English: 'Esperamos con interés sus comentarios.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["We look forward to your feedback.","We are looking forward to your feedback."]
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is looking forward to studying abroad
Match the emotion with the correct `look forward to` phrase. Match Pairs

Match the emotions with the correct phrases:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

常见问题 (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

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Esperar con ansias / Tener ganas de

English uses -ing; Spanish uses the infinitive.

French moderate

Avoir hâte de / Se réjouir de

French uses the infinitive after 'de'.

German partial

Sich freuen auf

German requires a prepositional object or a full clause.

Japanese low

楽しみにしてる (Tanoshimi ni shite iru)

Japanese uses a noun-based construction rather than a phrasal verb.

Arabic high

يتطلع إلى (Yatatalla'u ila)

Very similar structure, as both use a verbal noun/gerund.

Chinese low

期待 (Qīdài)

No preposition is needed in Chinese.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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