The phrase “look forward to” is a polite and positive way to express anticipation or excitement about something in the future — such as a meeting, event, or opportunity.
It’s common in both spoken English and professional writing, especially in emails (e.g., “I look forward to hearing from you” or “We look forward to meeting you”).
However, using the same phrase repeatedly can make your communication sound formulaic or overly standard. By varying your wording, you can make your tone more authentic, engaging, and context-appropriate.
Below are 25+ professional and natural alternatives to “look forward to,” each with its meaning, example, best use, and tone.
1. Excited About
Meaning: Expresses enthusiasm for an upcoming event or opportunity.
Example: I’m excited about working on this new project together.
Best Use: Informal or friendly business communication.
Tone: Energetic, upbeat.
2. Eager To
Meaning: Shows strong interest or enthusiasm for what’s ahead.
Example: We’re eager to collaborate with your team on this initiative.
Best Use: Professional or formal writing.
Tone: Polite, enthusiastic.
3. Can’t Wait To
Meaning: A casual and cheerful way to express anticipation.
Example: I can’t wait to see everyone at the event next week!
Best Use: Informal or friendly communication.
Tone: Excited, warm.
4. Looking Ahead To
Meaning: A professional way to convey anticipation for a future goal or event.
Example: We’re looking ahead to a successful partnership.
Best Use: Business and strategic contexts.
Tone: Forward-thinking, professional.
5. Anticipating
Meaning: Formal word meaning expecting something with interest or excitement.
Example: We’re anticipating positive results from the upcoming campaign.
Best Use: Reports, proposals, or business writing.
Tone: Formal, confident.
6. Keen To
Meaning: A British English phrase showing enthusiasm or interest.
Example: I’m keen to learn more about your upcoming plans.
Best Use: Professional or academic settings.
Tone: Polite, curious.
7. Awaiting
Meaning: Expresses that you are waiting for something expected or planned.
Example: We’re awaiting your feedback on the proposal.
Best Use: Business correspondence.
Tone: Formal, patient.
8. Hope To
Meaning: Politely expresses a wish or intention for a future interaction.
Example: I hope to meet you in person soon.
Best Use: Polite emails or formal conversations.
Tone: Courteous, optimistic.
9. Looking Toward
Meaning: Focuses on anticipation of future success or progress.
Example: We’re looking toward continued growth this quarter.
Best Use: Strategic or professional communication.
Tone: Visionary, formal.
10. Counting Down To
Meaning: Expresses cheerful or playful anticipation.
Example: We’re counting down to the big launch next week!
Best Use: Informal, team, or marketing settings.
Tone: Energetic, informal.
11. Can’t Wait For
Meaning: Shows high excitement for an event or result.
Example: I can’t wait for our upcoming collaboration!
Best Use: Casual or team-oriented messages.
Tone: Warm, excited.
12. Anticipate With Pleasure
Meaning: A formal and elegant way to express happy expectation.
Example: We anticipate with pleasure your visit to our office.
Best Use: Formal letters or hospitality-related writing.
Tone: Gracious, professional.
13. Enthusiastic About
Meaning: Highlights eagerness and energy about what’s coming.
Example: I’m enthusiastic about joining your project.
Best Use: Cover letters, emails, interviews.
Tone: Positive, professional.
14. Ready For
Meaning: Shows preparation and willingness for an upcoming event.
Example: We’re ready for tomorrow’s presentation.
Best Use: Business or teamwork settings.
Tone: Confident, proactive.
15. Anxious To
Meaning: Indicates eagerness (not worry) for something to happen.
Example: I’m anxious to hear your thoughts on this matter.
Best Use: Formal or semi-formal contexts.
Tone: Polite, expectant.
16. Can’t Wait To Connect
Meaning: Friendly and conversational way to express eagerness.
Example: Can’t wait to connect with you during the conference!
Best Use: Networking or event communication.
Tone: Warm, friendly.
17. Await Your Response
Meaning: A polite and formal alternative for business emails.
Example: I await your response regarding the next steps.
Best Use: Professional emails and letters.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
18. Hope to Continue Our Collaboration
Meaning: Expresses anticipation for ongoing work or partnership.
Example: I hope to continue our collaboration on future projects.
Best Use: Business follow-ups or thank-you emails.
Tone: Courteous, professional.
19. Looking Forward With Excitement
Meaning: Adds warmth and enthusiasm to the traditional phrase.
Example: Looking forward with excitement to the upcoming event!
Best Use: Friendly or semi-formal messages.
Tone: Positive, uplifting.
20. Excited To Connect
Meaning: A modern and engaging phrase for networking or meetings.
Example: I’m excited to connect and discuss future opportunities.
Best Use: LinkedIn messages, professional emails.
Tone: Enthusiastic, modern.
21. Ready To Begin
Meaning: Suggests eagerness to start a task or project.
Example: We’re ready to begin the next phase of development.
Best Use: Workplace or project communication.
Tone: Confident, proactive.
22. Hope We Can Work Together Soon
Meaning: Politely expresses desire for future collaboration.
Example: I hope we can work together soon on this initiative.
Best Use: Networking, client outreach, or proposals.
Tone: Polite, professional.
23. Excited To Meet You
Meaning: A warm and direct alternative for introductions.
Example: I’m excited to meet you during the orientation!
Best Use: In-person or virtual meeting contexts.
Tone: Friendly, engaging.
24. Eagerly Awaiting
Meaning: A slightly formal version of “looking forward to.”
Example: We’re eagerly awaiting your feedback on the design.
Best Use: Business or academic communication.
Tone: Formal, polite.
25. With Anticipation
Meaning: Adds elegance when expressing excitement about something upcoming.
Example: With anticipation, we await your keynote address.
Best Use: Formal invitations, event communication.
Tone: Refined, professional.
26. Can’t Wait to Hear From You
Meaning: Friendly and personable variation for emails.
Example: Can’t wait to hear from you — your insight is always helpful!
Best Use: Informal or semi-formal correspondence.
Tone: Warm, conversational.
Conclusion
The phrase “look forward to” works beautifully in most cases, but using fresh alternatives can make your writing sound more personal, modern, and expressive.
- Use “eager to,” “anticipating,” or “awaiting” in formal writing.
- Use “excited about,” “can’t wait to,” or “ready for” in casual or team settings.
- Use “hope to” or “enthusiastic about” for polite and flexible tone.
By adapting your phrasing to the context, you can convey genuine enthusiasm and professionalism — without sounding repetitive.
