The phrase “Looking forward to” is a common and friendly way to express excitement or anticipation for something — such as a meeting, event, or conversation. While it’s polite and professional, it can sound repetitive in emails or messages if used too often.
Whether you’re writing to a colleague, client, or friend, choosing the right alternative can make your message sound fresh, genuine, and more engaging.
Here are 25+ professional and natural alternatives to “Looking forward to,” along with their meaning, example, best use, and tone.
1. I’m Excited About
Meaning: Expresses enthusiasm or anticipation about an upcoming event.
Example: I’m excited about working with you on this project.
Best Use: Professional or friendly emails.
Tone: Positive, enthusiastic, friendly.
2. I Can’t Wait To
Meaning: Shows strong eagerness for something in the future.
Example: I can’t wait to see the final results of our collaboration.
Best Use: Informal or casual messages.
Tone: Warm, upbeat, personal.
3. I’m Eager To
Meaning: Highlights genuine anticipation and readiness.
Example: I’m eager to get started on this new opportunity.
Best Use: Professional settings.
Tone: Motivated, confident, formal.
4. I Anticipate
Meaning: A more formal way to express expectation or preparation.
Example: I anticipate hearing back from you soon.
Best Use: Business or academic correspondence.
Tone: Formal, polite, respectful.
5. I’m Enthusiastic About
Meaning: Emphasizes passion or excitement for something ahead.
Example: I’m enthusiastic about joining your team and contributing my skills.
Best Use: Job applications, business proposals.
Tone: Professional, energetic, positive.
6. I’m Awaiting
Meaning: Indicates patience and expectation.
Example: I’m awaiting your response to finalize the schedule.
Best Use: Business or formal letters.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
7. Excited To
Meaning: A casual, friendly version that fits well in personal or semi-formal contexts.
Example: Excited to catch up soon and discuss new ideas!
Best Use: Colleagues, teammates, or friends.
Tone: Cheerful, friendly.
8. I’m Hopeful About
Meaning: Expresses optimism for a future event or outcome.
Example: I’m hopeful about the direction our project is heading.
Best Use: Professional or reflective discussions.
Tone: Calm, optimistic, thoughtful.
9. Eagerly Awaiting
Meaning: Conveys polite enthusiasm and anticipation.
Example: I’m eagerly awaiting your feedback on the proposal.
Best Use: Business communication.
Tone: Polite, enthusiastic, formal.
10. I’m Anxious To
Meaning: Shows strong desire or readiness (without negative connotation in professional writing).
Example: I’m anxious to get started on this new initiative.
Best Use: Motivational or forward-looking statements.
Tone: Driven, confident.
11. I’m Ready To
Meaning: Expresses preparedness and willingness to take action.
Example: I’m ready to begin whenever you’re available.
Best Use: Task-based communication.
Tone: Confident, proactive, positive.
12. Excited About What’s Ahead
Meaning: Highlights optimism about the future in a friendly way.
Example: I’m excited about what’s ahead for our collaboration.
Best Use: Team or project discussions.
Tone: Uplifting, friendly, optimistic.
13. I’m Looking Ahead To
Meaning: A refined variation that still conveys anticipation.
Example: I’m looking ahead to our meeting next week.
Best Use: Business or formal messages.
Tone: Polished, professional.
14. I’m Anticipating
Meaning: Expresses an expectation or prediction of something positive.
Example: I’m anticipating great results from this partnership.
Best Use: Work or project communication.
Tone: Professional, optimistic.
15. I’m Looking Forward With Excitement To
Meaning: Adds a touch of enthusiasm while staying polite.
Example: I’m looking forward with excitement to your presentation.
Best Use: Semi-formal or friendly settings.
Tone: Warm, enthusiastic.
16. Can’t Wait To Connect
Meaning: Friendly and engaging way to show excitement about communication.
Example: Can’t wait to connect and discuss your ideas!
Best Use: Informal or creative professional contexts.
Tone: Friendly, upbeat.
17. I’m Ready and Excited For
Meaning: Combines eagerness and readiness in one phrase.
Example: I’m ready and excited for this new chapter to begin.
Best Use: Motivational or goal-related statements.
Tone: Energetic, positive.
18. It’ll Be Great To
Meaning: Expresses a confident and friendly expectation.
Example: It’ll be great to catch up and exchange updates.
Best Use: Friendly or business emails.
Tone: Approachable, pleasant.
19. I’m Counting Down To
Meaning: Adds a fun and informal sense of anticipation.
Example: I’m counting down to our team celebration!
Best Use: Casual or team-related messages.
Tone: Lighthearted, enthusiastic.
20. I’m Thrilled About
Meaning: A more expressive way to show strong excitement.
Example: I’m thrilled about our upcoming project launch!
Best Use: Motivational messages or team updates.
Tone: Excited, energetic.
21. I’m Expecting
Meaning: Expresses a confident belief that something will happen.
Example: I’m expecting great things from this partnership.
Best Use: Formal and professional.
Tone: Confident, formal, positive.
22. Eager To Continue
Meaning: Conveys enthusiasm about ongoing collaboration.
Example: Eager to continue our productive discussions next week.
Best Use: Business follow-ups.
Tone: Professional, polite, engaged.
23. I’m Glad To
Meaning: A mild, polite way to show positivity toward future action.
Example: I’m glad to discuss this in more detail soon.
Best Use: Courteous business communication.
Tone: Neutral, respectful, polite.
24. I Can’t Wait To Work Together
Meaning: Expresses excitement about collaboration.
Example: I can’t wait to work together and see what we can achieve.
Best Use: Team or client communication.
Tone: Friendly, collaborative, motivating.
25. I’m Anticipating Our Conversation
Meaning: Professional way to show you’re expecting a future meeting or discussion.
Example: I’m anticipating our conversation next week.
Best Use: Business or client emails.
Tone: Formal, confident, polite.
26. I’m Looking Ahead With Excitement (Bonus)
Meaning: Combines professionalism with warmth.
Example: I’m looking ahead with excitement to the next phase of our project.
Best Use: End of professional emails or reports.
Tone: Polished, optimistic, encouraging.
Conclusion
While “Looking forward to” is a polite and effective phrase, using different alternatives helps you sound more natural, expressive, and tailored to your audience.
- For professional emails, use “I anticipate,” “I’m eager to,” or “I’m awaiting.”
- For friendly messages, try “Can’t wait to,” “Excited to,” or “It’ll be great to.”
- For formal or official correspondence, choose “I’m honored to,” “I’m anticipating,” or “I look ahead to.”
Choosing the right phrase helps you express sincerity, enthusiasm, and professionalism — keeping your tone appropriate and engaging every time.
