Look forward to

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Look forward to (phrasal verb) = to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen.

This is one of the most emotionally warm phrasal verbs in English, and you’ll encounter it constantly in both casual conversation and professional communication.

When you look forward to something, you’re anticipating it with pleasure. Your mind is already reaching toward that future event, imagining it positively. It’s not just waiting — it’s eager, happy waiting. The phrase captures that feeling when you think about an upcoming holiday, a visit from a friend, or even just the weekend, and you feel a little spark of excitement.

What makes this phrase tricky for learners is the mandatory “to” followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form) — never an infinitive. You look forward to meeting someone, not “to meet.” You look forward to the party, not “to party.” This is non-negotiable and one of the most common errors learners make.

The phrase is also essential in formal correspondence. “I look forward to hearing from you” is the standard professional way to close emails and letters. It sounds polished, warm, and expectant without being pushy.

The feeling behind this phrase is positive anticipation — you’re mentally leaning toward something good that’s coming.

Examples from the street:

• “I’m really looking forward to the weekend — I need a break” → I’m excited and can’t wait for it to arrive
• “We look forward to welcoming you to the team” → we’re genuinely pleased about your arrival
• “I’ve been looking forward to this meal all day” → I’ve been happily anticipating eating this since morning

2. Most Common Patterns

• look forward to + noun → anticipate something with pleasure (the weekend, the trip, your reply)
• look forward to + -ing → anticipate doing something with pleasure (meeting you, hearing from you)
• really/very much look forward to → emphasise strong positive anticipation
• be looking forward to → continuous form for current state of anticipation
• I look forward to hearing from you → standard formal closing in emails and letters

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: “Look forward to” is itself a phrasal verb. Here are related expressions using “look”:

• look ahead → think about or plan for the future

  Example: “Looking ahead to next year, we need to consider our budget carefully.”

• look to → expect or hope for something from someone; turn to someone for help

  Example: “We’re looking to expand the business in the spring.”

• look out for → watch for something expected or anticipated

  Example: “Look out for the announcement — it should come next week.”

4. Example Sentences

1. I’m really looking forward to seeing you again after all these years

   → I feel genuinely excited about meeting you again after such a long time.

2. We look forward to receiving your application

   → We will be pleased when your application arrives and are ready to review it.

3. The children are looking forward to the school trip next month

   → The kids feel excited and can’t wait for the excursion to happen.

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

   → I’m expecting your response and will be pleased when it arrives.

5. She’s been looking forward to this concert for months

   → She’s felt excited about this performance ever since tickets went on sale.

6. We very much look forward to working with your organisation

   → We’re genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with you.

7. I’m not looking forward to the exam, but I’ve prepared well

   → I don’t feel excited about the test, though I’m ready for it.

8. They look forward to welcoming guests to the newly renovated hotel

   → The staff feel pleased about receiving visitors in the updated building.

9. He’s looking forward to retirement after forty years of work

   → He feels happy anticipation about finally stopping work after four decades.

10. I look forward to your feedback on the proposal

    → I’m expecting and will welcome your comments about what I’ve suggested.

5. Personal Examples

1. My students are always looking forward to group activities more than individual work

   → The learners feel more excitement about collaborative tasks than working alone.

2. I look forward to the day when I can speak English as naturally as a native speaker

   → I feel eager anticipation about reaching that level of fluency someday.

6. Register: Neutral to Formal

✔ Native usage tips

• The continuous form “I’m looking forward to” sounds warmer and more personal; the simple “I look forward to” sounds more formal and professional
• CRITICAL: Always use a noun or -ing form after “to” — never an infinitive (“looking forward to see” is a common error)
• “I look forward to hearing from you” is the gold standard for professional email closings
• You can look forward to negative things ironically: “I’m not looking forward to Monday” expresses dread humorously

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Can’t wait → more casual and enthusiastic; expresses stronger, more informal excitement
• Anticipate → more formal; can be neutral or positive, while “look forward to” is always positive
• Eager to → similar enthusiasm but takes an infinitive; “eager to meet you” versus “looking forward to meeting you”