Looking forward to something is a common way to express excitement or anticipation. However, the phrase “I am very much looking forward” can confuse English learners because it often sounds incomplete on its own. You may see similar expressions such as “I am very much looking forward to it” or “I am looking forward to meeting you.”
The key is understanding how looking forward works grammatically. The phrase usually needs to followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb ending in -ing. This guide explains the meaning, correct usage, common mistakes, and natural alternatives to help you use the expression confidently.
Quick Answer
“I am very much looking forward” is usually incomplete because looking forward normally requires to plus something you anticipate. The correct forms include “I am very much looking forward to it” and “I am very much looking forward to meeting you.” The phrase expresses strong excitement about a future event.
Why People Confuse It
Many English learners understand the meaning of looking forward but struggle with its grammatical structure.
The biggest source of confusion is the word to. In this expression, to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Therefore, when a verb follows to, it should usually use the -ing form.
For example:
- Correct: I am looking forward to seeing you.
- Incorrect: I am looking forward to see you.
Another issue is the placement of very much. While “I am very much looking forward to it” is grammatically correct, some speakers may prefer the shorter and more natural “I am really looking forward to it.”
First Word: I Am
The words I am form the present continuous structure in this expression.
In “I am looking forward to…”, the speaker is describing a current feeling of anticipation about something in the future.
Examples include:
- I am looking forward to the weekend.
- I am looking forward to hearing from you.
- I am looking forward to our meeting.
The phrase can also be contracted in informal writing:
- I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Both forms are correct, but I am may sound slightly more formal or emphatic in professional communication.
Second Word: Very Much Looking Forward
Very much adds emphasis to the phrase looking forward.
When you say:
I am very much looking forward to the event.
you are expressing stronger enthusiasm than simply saying:
I am looking forward to the event.
However, very much can sometimes sound more formal or traditional than alternatives such as:
- really
- greatly
- genuinely
- especially
- eagerly
For everyday English, really looking forward to is often more natural.
Examples
- I am very much looking forward to working with you.
- I am really looking forward to the trip.
- We are eagerly looking forward to the results.
- She is especially looking forward to the concert.
Comparison Table
| Expression | Meaning | Correct Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am looking forward | Usually incomplete alone | Needs more information | I am looking forward to the event. |
| I am very much looking forward | Strong anticipation | Usually followed by to + object/-ing | I am very much looking forward to meeting you. |
| I am looking forward to | Correct structure | Follow with noun or -ing verb | I am looking forward to hearing from you. |
| I look forward to | More formal | Common in professional writing | I look forward to your reply. |
| I’m really looking forward to | Informal and natural | Good for conversation | I’m really looking forward to it. |
When to Use “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
Use “I am very much looking forward to…” when you want to express strong anticipation about a future event, experience, meeting, or activity.
It works well in:
- Formal emails
- Professional communication
- Friendly messages
- Invitations
- Business correspondence
- Personal conversations
Use it with a noun
- I am very much looking forward to the conference.
- I am very much looking forward to the holidays.
- I am very much looking forward to our conversation.
Use it with a pronoun
- I am very much looking forward to it.
- We are very much looking forward to them.
Use it with an -ing verb
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
- She is very much looking forward to starting her new job.
- They are looking forward to visiting London.
Examples of “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
Here are natural examples showing how the phrase is used.
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you in person.
- I am very much looking forward to our upcoming discussion.
- We are very much looking forward to working together.
- I am very much looking forward to the opportunity.
- She is very much looking forward to starting her new position.
- They are very much looking forward to visiting their grandparents.
- I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
- He is very much looking forward to the weekend.
- We are very much looking forward to seeing the final results.
- I am very much looking forward to attending the event.
- The team is very much looking forward to the new project.
- I am very much looking forward to speaking with you soon.
Common Mistakes
1. Leaving the phrase incomplete
Incorrect:
- I am very much looking forward.
Correct:
- I am very much looking forward to it.
- I am very much looking forward to the event.
The phrase generally needs an object after to.
2. Using the infinitive after “to”
Incorrect:
- I am looking forward to meet you.
Correct:
- I am looking forward to meeting you.
Here, to is a preposition, so use a noun or an -ing verb.
3. Saying “looking forward for”
Incorrect:
- I am looking forward for the meeting.
Correct:
- I am looking forward to the meeting.
The standard expression is always look forward to, not look forward for.
4. Using “very much” unnecessarily
Although very much looking forward is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation.
More natural alternatives include:
- I’m really looking forward to it.
- I’m so excited about it.
- I can’t wait.
Choose the expression based on your audience and situation.
5. Forgetting the object
Incorrect:
- I look forward to.
Correct:
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- I look forward to your response.
The expression should clearly identify what you are anticipating.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple pattern:
Think of to as being attached to look forward, not to the verb that follows.
For example:
- Looking forward to the trip
- Looking forward to meeting you
- Looking forward to hearing from you
A helpful reminder is:
After “looking forward to,” think “-ing.”
That simple rule can prevent one of the most common grammar mistakes.
American vs British English
“Looking forward to” is widely used in both American and British English.
The basic grammar and meaning remain the same:
- American English: I’m looking forward to seeing you.
- British English: I’m looking forward to seeing you.
However, tone and word choice may vary depending on the situation.
In professional British English, “I look forward to hearing from you” is especially common in emails and formal letters.
American speakers also use this expression, but informal alternatives such as “I’m excited to…” or “I can’t wait to…” may appear more frequently in casual communication.
Both versions of English accept:
- I am looking forward to it.
- I am very much looking forward to it.
- I look forward to hearing from you.
Similar Words and Expressions
Several expressions can communicate a similar meaning to “I am very much looking forward to…”
Really looking forward to
This is natural and common in everyday English.
- I’m really looking forward to the concert.
Excited about
Use this when expressing enthusiasm.
- I’m excited about the new project.
Eager to
This means strongly interested or enthusiastic about doing something.
- I’m eager to learn more.
Can’t wait
This is informal and expresses strong excitement.
- I can’t wait to see you.
Anticipate
This is more formal and can mean expecting something in the future.
- We anticipate a successful event.
Await
This is formal and usually means waiting for something.
- We await your response.
Unlike looking forward to, await does not necessarily express excitement.
Final Verdict
“I am very much looking forward” is grammatically understandable, but it usually sounds incomplete without additional information.
The most complete and natural structure is:
For example:
- I am very much looking forward to the meeting.
- I am very much looking forward to it.
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
In casual English, “I’m really looking forward to…” is often more natural. In professional or formal communication, “I am very much looking forward to…” can express polite enthusiasm.
FAQs:
Is “I am very much looking forward” correct?
It is grammatically understandable, but it is usually incomplete. Add to and explain what you are looking forward to.
Is “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” correct?
Yes. This sentence is grammatically correct and sounds polite and enthusiastic.
Should I say “looking forward to meet” or “looking forward to meeting”?
The correct form is “looking forward to meeting.” Use an -ing verb after looking forward to.
Is “very much looking forward” formal?
It can sound slightly formal or emphatic. In everyday conversation, “really looking forward to” is often more natural.
Can I use “looking forward to” in an email?
Yes. It is very common in professional and personal emails.
For example:
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- I am looking forward to our meeting.
Is “I look forward to” more formal than “I am looking forward to”?
Generally, yes. “I look forward to…” is especially common in formal and professional writing, while “I’m looking forward to…” often sounds more conversational.
Can “looking forward to” be followed by a noun?
Yes. For example:
- I am looking forward to the holiday.
- She is looking forward to the meeting.
What is a natural alternative to “I am very much looking forward to”?
You can say:
- I’m really looking forward to it.
- I’m excited about it.
- I can’t wait.
- I’m eager to get started.
Conclusion
Understanding “I am very much looking forward” becomes easy once you remember that the expression normally needs to followed by something specific. You can follow it with a noun, pronoun, or an -ing form of a verb.
Whether you are writing a professional email, preparing for a meeting, or expressing excitement about an upcoming event, “I am very much looking forward to…” is a useful and polite expression. For a more relaxed tone, phrases such as “I’m really looking forward to…” may sound more natural.
Remember This
Look forward to + noun or -ing verb. Never use the infinitive after looking forward to. Say “I am looking forward to meeting you,” not “I am looking forward to meet you.”
