The phrase “looking forward” is widely used to express eagerness, excitement, or anticipation for something in the future. It’s common in both professional emails and personal conversations, but overusing it can make your messages sound repetitive. By exploring alternatives, you can find expressions that sound warmer, more formal, more casual, or more creative depending on the situation.
Below, you’ll find 35 alternatives to “looking forward”—each with meaning, explanation, examples, best use cases, and tone.
1. Eagerly awaiting
Meaning: Waiting with excitement.
Explanation: Slightly more formal than “looking forward.”
Example: “I am eagerly awaiting your response.”
Best Use: Professional communication.
Tone: Polite, respectful.
2. Excited about
Meaning: Positive anticipation.
Explanation: Casual, upbeat alternative.
Example: “I’m excited about our weekend plans!”
Best Use: Personal, casual settings.
Tone: Cheerful, enthusiastic.
3. Can’t wait
Meaning: Strong eagerness.
Explanation: Informal and expressive.
Example: “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”
Best Use: Friends, family.
Tone: Playful, warm.
4. Anticipating
Meaning: Expecting something.
Explanation: More formal and neutral.
Example: “We are anticipating positive results.”
Best Use: Business, academics.
Tone: Professional, thoughtful.
5. I’m ready for
Meaning: Prepared and excited.
Explanation: Emphasizes confidence and eagerness.
Example: “I’m ready for our next challenge.”
Best Use: Motivational, workplace.
Tone: Confident, optimistic.
6. Awaiting
Meaning: Waiting for something.
Explanation: Short, direct, and formal.
Example: “I am awaiting your confirmation.”
Best Use: Professional emails.
Tone: Respectful, concise.
7. Looking ahead to
Meaning: Focusing on the future.
Explanation: Slightly more formal variation.
Example: “We are looking ahead to the next phase of the project.”
Best Use: Work, strategy.
Tone: Optimistic, professional.
8. Counting down the days
Meaning: Waiting with excitement.
Explanation: Lighthearted expression.
Example: “I’m counting down the days until the concert.”
Best Use: Friends, family.
Tone: Fun, casual.
9. With anticipation
Meaning: Awaiting eagerly.
Explanation: Suitable for formal settings.
Example: “With anticipation, I await your reply.”
Best Use: Professional writing.
Tone: Polite, formal.
10. I can hardly wait
Meaning: Strong impatience in a positive way.
Explanation: Casual and enthusiastic.
Example: “I can hardly wait for the weekend!”
Best Use: Personal use.
Tone: Energetic, casual.
11. Anxiously awaiting
Meaning: Nervous and excited waiting.
Explanation: Slightly more intense than “eagerly awaiting.”
Example: “I’m anxiously awaiting the exam results.”
Best Use: Formal, serious contexts.
Tone: Tense, expectant.
12. Awaiting with excitement
Meaning: Formal yet warm anticipation.
Explanation: Adds positivity to “awaiting.”
Example: “I’m awaiting with excitement our next adventure.”
Best Use: Semi-formal, personal.
Tone: Friendly, warm.
13. Thrilled about
Meaning: Very excited.
Explanation: Stronger than “excited about.”
Example: “I’m thrilled about joining the new team.”
Best Use: Work announcements, achievements.
Tone: Enthusiastic, energetic.
14. Awaiting eagerly
Meaning: Formal and polite eagerness.
Explanation: A polished version of “can’t wait.”
Example: “I am awaiting eagerly your decision.”
Best Use: Business, professional writing.
Tone: Respectful, formal.
15. With great anticipation
Meaning: Strong formal eagerness.
Explanation: Suitable for ceremonial or professional contexts.
Example: “With great anticipation, I await your arrival.”
Best Use: Formal letters.
Tone: Serious, respectful.
16. Pumped for
Meaning: Slang for being very excited.
Explanation: Casual, modern alternative.
Example: “I’m pumped for the game tonight!”
Best Use: Friends, informal chats.
Tone: Playful, energetic.
17. Ready and waiting
Meaning: Prepared and eager.
Explanation: Shows both readiness and anticipation.
Example: “I’m ready and waiting for your call.”
Best Use: Work and personal.
Tone: Friendly, confident.
18. Enthusiastic about
Meaning: Positive excitement.
Explanation: Professional version of “excited about.”
Example: “I’m enthusiastic about collaborating with your team.”
Best Use: Workplace, formal.
Tone: Positive, polished.
19. All set for
Meaning: Prepared and waiting.
Explanation: Suggests readiness and confidence.
Example: “I’m all set for tomorrow’s presentation.”
Best Use: Work, casual.
Tone: Upbeat, confident.
20. Waiting in anticipation
Meaning: Expecting something eagerly.
Explanation: A polished alternative.
Example: “We are waiting in anticipation for your arrival.”
Best Use: Professional, polite.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
21. Stoked about
Meaning: Slang for very excited.
Explanation: Informal, youthful expression.
Example: “I’m stoked about our trip next month!”
Best Use: Friends, casual.
Tone: Fun, informal.
22. Can’t wait to dive into
Meaning: Eager to start something.
Explanation: Great for projects or new experiences.
Example: “I can’t wait to dive into this new role.”
Best Use: Work, personal growth.
Tone: Motivated, excited.
23. Awaiting your response
Meaning: Professional version of “looking forward to your reply.”
Explanation: Clear and polite.
Example: “I am awaiting your response at your convenience.”
Best Use: Professional emails.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
24. Enthralled by the thought of
Meaning: Captivated by the idea.
Explanation: More poetic and emotional.
Example: “I’m enthralled by the thought of traveling together.”
Best Use: Romantic or creative writing.
Tone: Poetic, emotional.
25. Anticipating with joy
Meaning: Waiting happily.
Explanation: Combines positivity and eagerness.
Example: “I’m anticipating with joy our family reunion.”
Best Use: Personal, family.
Tone: Warm, heartfelt.
Conclusion
While “looking forward” is versatile and widely accepted, it’s not the only way to show anticipation. From formal phrases like “awaiting your response” to casual ones like “can’t wait” or “stoked about”, the right choice depends on context. By using these 35 alternatives, you can adapt your tone to sound professional, playful, or deeply enthusiastic depending on who you’re addressing.
