Finding the right words to express enthusiasm, anticipation, and warmth can make all the difference in our conversations. Whether you’re crafting an email to a colleague, replying to a friend, or communicating with a loved one, the way you phrase your eagerness can deeply affect how your message is received. In this article, we’ll explore 30 alternatives to saying “I look forward to,” helping you express yourself with even more care and thoughtful phrasing.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “I Look Forward To”?
“I look forward to” is widely recognized as both polite and professional. It works in formal settings, like business emails or meetings, as well as in casual interactions. However, there are times when alternative expressions can offer more warmth or personal touch. Below are alternatives that convey a similar message but with varying tones to match different scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Using Alternatives to “I Look Forward To”
Pros:
- Variety and Personalization:
- Expressing Different Levels of Enthusiasm:
- Professionalism and Warmth:
- Flexibility Across Contexts:
- Stronger Emotional Impact:
Cons:
- Overuse or Excessive Enthusiasm:
- Tone Misinterpretation:
- Less Formal Options for Serious Contexts:
Synonyms & Alternatives for “I Look Forward To”
- “I’m excited about”
- “I’m eager to”
- “Can’t wait to”
- “I’m anticipating”
- “I’m looking ahead to”
How to Say It in Different Ways
- Professional: “I’m eager to continue our collaboration.”
- Friendly: “Can’t wait to catch up with you soon!”
- Formal: “I am anticipating our upcoming discussion.”
- Optimistic: “I’m excited about what’s coming next.”
- Sincere: “I truly look forward to working together again.”
Professional Ways to Say “I Look Forward To”
- “I’m eager to continue our partnership.”
- “I’m anticipating your response.”
- “I’m excited about our upcoming meeting.”
- “I look forward to collaborating on this project.”
- “I’m looking ahead to achieving great results together.”
Formal Ways to Say “I Look Forward To”
- “I am anticipating the opportunity to meet with you.”
- “I await your response with great interest.”
- “I am keenly awaiting your feedback.”
- “I appreciate the forthcoming opportunity to engage.”
- “I await our future correspondence with optimism.”
Informal Ways to Say “I Look Forward To”
- “Can’t wait to see you!”
- “Really looking forward to hanging out.”
- “Can’t wait for what’s next!”
- “Super excited about it!”
- “Counting down the days until we meet!”
What “I Look Forward To” Means
- It shows enthusiasm and positivity toward future events.
- Commonly used to end emails or conversations politely.
- Helps express respect and appreciation for another person’s time.
- Can convey professional eagerness or personal excitement.
- Strengthens rapport and communication tone in both work and daily life.
How to Respond to “I Look Forward To”
- “Same here — I’m looking forward to it as well.”
- “Thank you! I’m excited too.”
- “Can’t wait to catch up soon.”
- “Glad to hear that — see you then!”
- “I appreciate that — talk soon!”
Synonyms For “I Look Forward To
- I’m Excited About
- I Can’t Wait For
- I’m Eager To
- I Can’t Wait to See
- I’m Looking Forward to It
- I’m Thrilled About
- I’m Delighted To
- I’m Happy About
- I’m Eagerly Awaiting
- I’m Counting Down the Days Until
- I’m Anxious for
- I Can’t Help but Look Forward to
- I’m Optimistic About
- I’m Looking Forward to Meeting
- I’m Looking Forward to Hearing From You
- I’m Anticipating
- I Can’t Wait to Catch Up
- I’m Keen To
- I’m Thrilled To Be Part of
- I’m Looking Forward to Seeing You
- I’m Eager for
- I’m Looking Forward to Collaborating
- I’m Counting on
- I’m Looking Forward to Working Together
- I’m Filled with Excitement About
- I’m Hopeful About
- I’m Looking Forward to Reconnecting
- I’m Excited to Hear From You
- I’m Looking Forward to the Opportunity To
- I’m Anxious To Begin
1. I’m Excited About
Scenario: When sharing excitement about an upcoming event, meeting, or project.
Examples:
- I’m excited about our upcoming conference next week!
- I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate on this project.
- I’m excited about our upcoming trip together.
Tone: Energetic, enthusiastic
Explanation: This phrase conveys a sense of eagerness and joy, making it more informal and casual.
2. I Can’t Wait For
Scenario: Expressing impatience or eagerness to experience something.
Examples:
- I can’t wait for our dinner plans tonight!
- I can’t wait for the new project to kick off.
- I can’t wait for our vacation to begin.
Tone: Casual, excited
Explanation: This expression emphasizes impatience, often used in casual conversations with friends or close colleagues.
3. I’m Eager To
Scenario: Showing strong interest in something or someone.
Examples:
- I’m eager to see the new presentation you’ve prepared.
- I’m eager to join you for the conference call tomorrow.
- I’m eager to start working on this project with you.
Tone: Polite, interested
Explanation: “I’m eager to” is polite and professional, suitable for both formal and informal situations.
4. I Can’t Wait to See
Scenario: A sense of anticipation about meeting someone or seeing something new.
Examples:
- I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on.
- I can’t wait to see you at the meeting.
- I can’t wait to see the final draft of your report.
Tone: Excited, warm
Explanation: It conveys enthusiasm and impatience, often used in both personal and professional conversations.
5. I’m Looking Forward to It
Scenario: Used to express positive anticipation for something scheduled or planned.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to it, I believe it will be a great experience.
- I’m looking forward to our catch-up next week!
- I’m looking forward to it—thanks for inviting me!
Tone: Polite, anticipatory
Explanation: It’s a slightly more formal way to express eagerness. It’s warm but appropriate for most contexts.
6. I’m Thrilled About
Scenario: When expressing intense excitement about something upcoming.
Examples:
- I’m thrilled about the event tomorrow!
- I’m thrilled about the possibility of joining your team.
- I’m thrilled about our new collaboration.
Tone: Excited, intense
Explanation: This expression conveys a higher level of excitement, ideal for situations where you feel particularly enthusiastic.
7. I’m Delighted To
Scenario: Expressing joy or happiness about a future occurrence.
Examples:
- I’m delighted to meet you for lunch.
- I’m delighted to be part of this wonderful team.
- I’m delighted to assist you with your project.
Tone: Formal, warm
Explanation: “I’m delighted to” communicates a more refined enthusiasm, making it perfect for both professional and social settings.
8. I’m Happy About
Scenario: A casual expression of happiness regarding future plans or events.
Examples:
- I’m happy about the direction the project is heading.
- I’m happy about our plans for the weekend.
- I’m happy about the opportunity to work together.
Tone: Casual, friendly
Explanation: This is a friendly and approachable alternative that fits well in both casual and professional environments.
9. I’m Eagerly Awaiting
Scenario: Used in formal or professional contexts to express anticipation.
Examples:
- I’m eagerly awaiting our meeting later today.
- I’m eagerly awaiting your response to the proposal.
- I’m eagerly awaiting the launch of the new product.
Tone: Formal, polite
Explanation: Slightly more formal, this phrase is perfect for professional correspondence.
10. I’m Counting Down the Days Until
Scenario: When you’re anticipating something to the point of excitement.
Examples:
- I’m counting down the days until we finally meet.
- I’m counting down the days until the event.
- I’m counting down the days until the new project starts.
Tone: Excited, anticipatory
Explanation: This expression emphasizes your eagerness and the passage of time, suitable for both formal and informal settings.
11. I’m Anxious for
Scenario: When you’re anticipating something with a mix of excitement and slight nervousness.
Examples:
- I’m anxious for the upcoming presentation.
- I’m anxious for the outcome of the project review.
- I’m anxious for the team-building event this weekend.
Tone: Nervous, excited
Explanation: This phrase works well when you’re a little nervous but still looking forward to something.
12. I Can’t Help but Look Forward to
Scenario: When you’re so excited that you can’t stop thinking about it.
Examples:
- I can’t help but look forward to our weekend getaway.
- I can’t help but look forward to hearing your thoughts on my proposal.
- I can’t help but look forward to seeing everyone at the event.
Tone: Enthusiastic, light-hearted
Explanation: This expression emphasizes your excitement and eagerness.
13. I’m Optimistic About
Scenario: When you’re looking forward to something with a sense of confidence.
Examples:
- I’m optimistic about our upcoming project.
- I’m optimistic about the team’s success.
- I’m optimistic about the changes we’re making.
Tone: Confident, professional
Explanation: “I’m optimistic about” conveys a sense of positivity and belief in a successful outcome.
14. I’m Looking Forward to Meeting
Scenario: A professional way to express excitement about meeting someone.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to meeting you tomorrow.
- I’m looking forward to meeting the team during the conference.
- I’m looking forward to meeting with the client to discuss the details.
Tone: Professional, polite
Explanation: This is often used when preparing for a scheduled meeting, focusing on the anticipation of face-to-face interaction.
15. I’m Looking Forward to Hearing From You
Scenario: When anticipating a response from someone, either in business or personal communication.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.
- I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on my proposal.
- I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback on my presentation.
Tone: Professional, respectful
Explanation: A more formal approach often used in business emails or letters.
16. I’m Anticipating
Scenario: When you’re preparing for something and looking forward to it with curiosity.
Examples:
- I’m anticipating the changes in the project’s direction.
- I’m anticipating our meeting next week to discuss ideas.
- I’m anticipating the feedback on my presentation.
Tone: Formal, curious
Explanation: “I’m anticipating” is a more neutral and formal expression that works well in business settings or when there’s a sense of preparation involved.
17. I Can’t Wait to Catch Up
Scenario: Often used with friends or colleagues when excited to reconnect.
Examples:
- I can’t wait to catch up over lunch tomorrow.
- I can’t wait to catch up on all the new developments.
- I can’t wait to catch up with you at the party.
Tone: Casual, friendly
Explanation: Perfect for informal settings, this phrase shows eagerness to reconnect and converse.
18. I’m Keen To
Scenario: Used when you’re enthusiastic and ready to engage in something.
Examples:
- I’m keen to join the upcoming conference.
- I’m keen to collaborate with you on the next phase of the project.
- I’m keen to see what new ideas you bring to the table.
Tone: Polite, engaged
Explanation: This phrase works well for professional environments where you want to show interest and commitment.
19. I’m Thrilled To Be Part of
Scenario: Expressing joy and enthusiasm about joining something or being involved.
Examples:
- I’m thrilled to be part of this new team.
- I’m thrilled to be part of the upcoming project.
- I’m thrilled to be part of your celebration.
Tone: Warm, excited
Explanation: This is an enthusiastic and heartfelt way to express excitement about joining an endeavor or group.
Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say ‘Nice To E-Meet You’ (With Examples)
20. I’m Looking Forward to Seeing You
Scenario: Anticipating a personal meeting or reunion.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the event.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the coffee shop tomorrow.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you soon, it’s been too long.
Tone: Friendly, personal
Explanation: This phrase conveys warmth and eagerness to meet someone in person, often used in social contexts.
21. I’m Eager for
Scenario: When you want to express strong desire or anticipation for something upcoming.
Examples:
- I’m eager for our upcoming trip to the mountains.
- I’m eager for the weekend to relax.
- I’m eager for our discussion to begin.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic
Explanation: This is a versatile phrase that can be used in both casual and professional settings, showing strong interest.
22. I’m Looking Forward to Collaborating
Scenario: When anticipating working together with someone on a project or task.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to collaborating on this new initiative.
- I’m looking forward to collaborating with you on this proposal.
- I’m looking forward to collaborating on the upcoming event.
Tone: Professional, positive
Explanation: This phrase expresses professional excitement about teamwork and cooperation.
23. I’m Counting on
Scenario: Expressing trust and anticipation for a future event or action.
Examples:
- I’m counting on seeing you at the event.
- I’m counting on your support for the project.
- I’m counting on the team to deliver the results.
Tone: Trusting, positive
Explanation: This phrase conveys not only anticipation but also a sense of reliance on the outcome.
24. I’m Looking Forward to Working Together
Scenario: When expressing anticipation for collaborating with someone in a professional context.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to working together on the new strategy.
- I’m looking forward to working together on this exciting project.
- I’m looking forward to working together to solve this challenge.
Tone: Professional, collaborative
Explanation: This is a great phrase to use when discussing teamwork in business or professional settings.
25. I’m Filled with Excitement About
Scenario: When you’re expressing strong, overflowing anticipation for an upcoming event.
Examples:
- I’m filled with excitement about our vacation next week!
- I’m filled with excitement about the release of the new product.
- I’m filled with excitement about the team’s achievements.
Tone: Excited, enthusiastic
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes a strong and overwhelming feeling of eagerness, often used in both personal and professional contexts.
26. I’m Hopeful About
Scenario: Expressing optimism and positive expectations about a future situation.
Examples:
- I’m hopeful about the outcome of our meeting tomorrow.
- I’m hopeful about the potential of our new project.
- I’m hopeful about our team’s ability to succeed.
Tone: Optimistic, encouraging
Explanation: “I’m hopeful about” is best when you want to convey optimism and a belief that things will go well.
27. I’m Looking Forward to Reconnecting
Scenario: Used when you’re excited to reconnect with someone after a period of time.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to reconnecting after so many years.
- I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the team during the meeting.
- I’m looking forward to reconnecting with you at the conference.
Tone: Warm, friendly
Explanation: This phrase works well for both casual and professional settings, especially when re-establishing contact.
28. I’m Excited to Hear From You
Scenario: When you’re waiting for someone’s response and eager to hear their thoughts.
Examples:
- I’m excited to hear from you about the proposal.
- I’m excited to hear from you after the meeting.
- I’m excited to hear from you regarding the event plans.
Tone: Anticipatory, enthusiastic
Explanation: This conveys eagerness for a reply, commonly used in both professional and personal communications.
29. I’m Looking Forward to the Opportunity To
Scenario: When you’re anticipating the chance to engage in a task or role.
Examples:
- I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.
- I’m looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the team.
- I’m looking forward to the opportunity to present my ideas.
Tone: Professional, grateful
Explanation: This phrase shows a strong sense of readiness and appreciation for future opportunities.
30. I’m Anxious To Begin
Scenario: Expressing eagerness and some degree of impatience to start something.
Examples:
- I’m anxious to begin the new project with you.
- I’m anxious to begin our work on the campaign.
- I’m anxious to begin the workshop tomorrow.
Tone: Excited, slightly impatient
Explanation: “I’m anxious to begin” emphasizes eagerness and an active desire to start something right away.
Conclusion
Finding the right way to express excitement and anticipation can bring a new level of warmth and thoughtfulness to your communication. Whether you’re writing a professional email, connecting with a friend, or preparing for an exciting event, using one of these 30 alternatives to “I look forward to” can help you convey your feelings in a way that feels more personal, engaging, and meaningful.
By choosing the right words, you not only show your enthusiasm but also deepen the connection with your audience. So next time you’re drafting a message, consider one of these alternatives to make your communication even more heartfelt.

Emma Rose is a dedicated writing expert with a passion for helping others enhance their communication skills. With a strong background in grammar, language structure, and style, Emma empowers individuals to write with clarity, confidence, and impact. Her approach combines a keen attention to detail with a supportive, personalized touch, ensuring each person she works with improves and grows in their writing journey.