The phrase “looking forward to” is a common way to express excitement or anticipation, but using it too often can make writing feel repetitive. A well-chosen alternative can help your emails sound more professional, your messages more engaging, and your conversations more natural.
This guide explores different ways to replace “looking forward to” in emails, meetings, and casual exchanges. From “looking forward to hearing from you” to “looking forward to working with you,” you’ll find suitable alternatives for every situation—helping you communicate more effectively and with variety.
Formal Alternatives to “Looking Forward To”
1. Eagerly Anticipate
This phrase conveys enthusiasm while maintaining a professional tone.
Example: “We eagerly anticipate your feedback on the proposal and look forward to your insights.”
2. Await with Interest
A polite and neutral way to express anticipation without sounding overly enthusiastic.
Example: “I await your response with interest and appreciate your time in reviewing this matter.”
3. Excited About
Although slightly informal, this phrase is still suitable for professional settings when expressing enthusiasm.
Example: “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and collaborate on upcoming projects.”
4. Keen On
This alternative is commonly used in British English and works well in professional conversations.
Example: “I am keen on discussing the next steps and exploring potential solutions with you.”
5. Expect with Pleasure
A courteous and warm way to express anticipation, particularly in customer service or networking contexts.
Example: “We expect with pleasure the opportunity to welcome you to our event next week.”
6. Anticipate with Enthusiasm
A strong yet polished alternative for professional and formal writing.
Example: “I anticipate with enthusiasm our upcoming collaboration and the value it will bring.”
7. Look Ahead to with Interest
This phrase keeps the tone professional while adding a sense of future engagement.
Example: “We look ahead to with interest the discussion on our strategic partnership.”
8. Await with Eagerness
A refined and polite way to express anticipation, suitable for business and academic settings.
Example: “I await with eagerness the opportunity to present my findings at the conference.”
9. Hope to Engage In
A thoughtful and neutral phrase that implies a proactive approach to communication or collaboration.
Example: “I hope to engage in a productive discussion regarding our shared goals.”
10. Prepare for with Anticipation
A great choice for expressing readiness while maintaining a formal tone.
Example: “We are preparing for the negotiation with anticipation and look forward to a constructive conversation.”
Casual Alternatives to “Looking Forward To”
1. Can’t Wait For
A simple and enthusiastic way to express excitement.
Example: “I can’t wait for our weekend trip! It’s going to be amazing.”
2. Counting Down To
This phrase adds a sense of anticipation and excitement, often used for events or special occasions.
Example: “I’m counting down to the big game—just a few more days to go!”
3. Pumped For
A highly energetic and informal way to express excitement.
Example: “I’m so pumped for the concert tonight! It’s going to be epic.”
4. Super Excited About
A friendly and enthusiastic phrase suitable for informal messages.
Example: “I’m super excited about our dinner plans! It’s been too long since we caught up.”
5. Really Looking Forward To
A more natural way to express excitement while keeping it casual.
Example: “I’m really looking forward to our hiking trip next weekend!”
6. Stoked For
A very informal and upbeat alternative, commonly used in American English.
Example: “I’m stoked for the beach day tomorrow! It’s going to be awesome.”
7. Hyped About
A casual and energetic phrase, often used in younger circles.
Example: “I’m hyped about the new movie release—it looks incredible!”
8. Thrilled For
A slightly more expressive way to show excitement without being overly informal.
Example: “I’m thrilled for your new job! You totally deserve it.”
9. Over the Moon About
A fun and playful way to express extreme excitement.
Example: “I’m over the moon about our weekend plans! It’s going to be so much fun.”
10. So Ready For
A great way to express eagerness, especially when waiting for something exciting.
Example: “I’m so ready for vacation—I need a break from work!”
Professional Alternatives to “Looking Forward To” (for Emails & Business Settings)
1. Excited To
A positive and professional way to express enthusiasm without sounding overly casual.
Example: “I’m excited to collaborate with your team on this project and bring new ideas to the table.”
2. Anxiously Awaiting
A phrase that conveys strong anticipation, though it’s best used in contexts where urgency is appropriate.
Example: “We are anxiously awaiting your feedback on the proposal and are ready to make adjustments as needed.”
3. Anticipating
A direct yet professional way to express expectation.
Example: “I am anticipating our discussion on the upcoming changes and the opportunities they present.”
4. Hopeful For
A subtle and courteous phrase that expresses optimism in a professional setting.
Example: “I am hopeful for a successful collaboration and a productive partnership ahead.”
5. Awaiting with Enthusiasm
A polished alternative that adds warmth while maintaining professionalism.
Example: “We are awaiting with enthusiasm the opportunity to showcase our latest developments during the presentation.”
6. Looking Ahead To
A refined way to express anticipation while keeping the tone businesslike.
Example: “I’m looking ahead to our strategy meeting and the valuable insights we’ll exchange.”
7. Enthusiastic About
A confident and positive way to show eagerness in a business context.
Example: “I’m enthusiastic about the chance to contribute to this project and help achieve our goals.”
8. Expecting a Positive Outcome From
A suitable phrase for situations where results or decisions are pending.
Example: “We are expecting a positive outcome from the upcoming negotiations and remain optimistic about the terms.”
9. Prepared For
A professional phrase that indicates readiness while expressing anticipation.
Example: “I am prepared for our upcoming discussion and look forward to sharing my insights.”
10. Eager to Engage In
A strong yet professional way to communicate enthusiasm for an upcoming collaboration or task.
Example: “I’m eager to engage in discussions on how we can streamline operations moving forward.”
Related Topics:
Polite & Neutral Alternatives to “Looking Forward To”
1. Gladly Await
A warm and respectful way to express anticipation.
Example: “I gladly await your response and appreciate your time in reviewing this matter.”
2. Enthusiastic About
A friendly and neutral way to show positive anticipation without being too strong.
Example: “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and support ongoing projects.”
3. Await with Eagerness
A polished and slightly formal way to express excitement in a professional setting.
Example: “We await with eagerness the final decision and are prepared to proceed accordingly.”
4. Happy About
A simple and polite alternative that works well in both professional and casual contexts.
Example: “I’m happy about the chance to collaborate on this initiative and share my expertise.”
5. Appreciate the Opportunity To
A courteous and professional phrase that conveys gratitude and anticipation.
Example: “I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and share my thoughts on this topic.”
6. Open To
A neutral phrase that works well when expressing willingness rather than strong anticipation.
Example: “I am open to discussing further details whenever it is convenient for you.”
7. Hope to Discuss
A polite and soft way to express anticipation in a professional conversation.
Example: “I hope to discuss potential collaboration opportunities with you soon.”
8. Expecting to Hear From
A straightforward and neutral alternative that keeps the message clear.
Example: “I am expecting to hear from you regarding the next steps and will be ready to proceed.”
9. Looking Toward
A subtle and professional phrase that keeps the tone balanced.
Example: “We are looking toward a productive discussion during the upcoming conference.”
10. Trust That We Will Connect Soon
A warm and polite way to express anticipation while leaving the response open-ended.
Example: “I trust that we will connect soon and have the chance to explore new opportunities together.”
Some Other Alternatives
Looking forward to hearing from you
- I appreciate your response in advance.
- I anticipate your reply.
- I hope to hear from you soon.
- I await your response with interest.
Looking forward to meeting you
- I’m eager to meet you.
- I’m excited about our meeting.
- I look forward to our discussion.
- I await our meeting with anticipation.
Looking forward to working with you
- I’m eager to collaborate with you.
- Excited to begin our work together.
- I appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
- I’m keen to start this project with you.
